In our 21st c. Christian ears, what Jesus says is charming. But something is lost. We translate two different words from Matthew’s Greek manuscript. One word, “Kosmos,” we hear as “world,” as in “the light of the world.” The other we translate as “earth,” as in “the salt of the earth,” but only because that is as close as English can get. And if that isn’t enough, Jesus reminds us again just how Jewish he is. “You are the light of the Kosmos,” he says. To people who are familiar with Torah, even in passing, the phrase is a traditionally Jewish comment. Rabbis still teach that light is a metaphor for Torah and for acting on those teachings, as well as an image of the human soul. Matthew’s Jesus does not say “I am the light” as John’s Jesus does. Instead, he says to a group of people who have so far done very little to earn praise: “You are the light of the Kosmos.” “Let your light shine before others,” Jesus implores his followers. “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Now, while his insistence on “good works” may not have made Jesus a good Protestant, there should be no lingering doubt that he was wise and joyfully Jewish teacher. Right relationship and right action are good. In fact, right action is more important than right belief!