In Matthew 5:11-16, Jesus expounds upon our outward ministry as partners with God, our role in the world. Where the beatitudes described the blessings of those who see their need for God and choose to identify with Him through repentance, Jesus now makes the general specific: blessed are “you.” We may face persecution on account of our identification with God; but, we serve a vital role in the world. Jesus describes this role through two examples: salt and light. Here, we discuss the richness of His examples in their historical context to shed light on their meaning for us today.