I wonder what Jesus’ disciples thought when he told them that they were to be the salt “of the earth” and the light “of the world.” Were they shocked that Jesus told them to begin thinking and acting beyond the borders of Israel? Maybe they thought of God’s conversation with Abram from Genesis 12: “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…. in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Jesus seems to be anticipating their mission into the world (and our mission still).

The disciples may have still been thinking about Jesus’ teaching on suffering. That could have been a big surprise for them! They did not yet grasp that they were following a Messiah who would suffer, who would be crucified.

Jesus is still telling us that we are salt and light. What are we doing to take on the world, to expand our own borders?