In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He states, “You are the salt of the earth; … You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–14). Often, well-meaning believers invoke this passage as a means of encouragement and prodding others to step up to the plate and affect the world.
In this study, I desire to provide you with a greater understanding of the Greek verb that Jesus uses.
“You are” is not an imperative command; it is an indicative verb. This distinction is very important and necessary to make as we seek to better understand what the Bible means. Such precision leads to proper, God-glorifying application to one’s life. My prayer is that the meaning of this passage will become increasingly clear as you study what follows.
