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Curated Sermon Illustrations on Salt and Light

Explore powerful illustrations on salt and light. Discover stories, analogies, humor and more as you illustrate the timeless truths from scripture.

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The Value of Salt

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus likens his followers to salt and light. While the concept of light may resonate more easily with us today, the significance of salt might be less apparent. But not so in the ancient world. Salt was one considered one of the most valuable natural resources on earth. 

We've all heard the expression "is he or she worth their salt?" This saying originated from the way Roman soldiers were compensated for their service—with salt. In fact, the word "soldier" derives from two Greek words that literally mean "to give salt” and “salary”.  Thus, when Jesus refers to his followers as salt, he is emphasizing their immense value.

By likening his followers to salt, Jesus suggests that they are highly esteemed and indispensable. Just as salt adds flavor to otherwise bland food, Jesus’ disciples bring richness and depth to a world that is often spiritually barren and tasteless.