stay salty

Mark 9:38-50

"38 And John answered Him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in Me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another."

In today’s verses, Jesus corrects His disciples’ pride and teaches that true greatness is found in humility and service. He addresses three key issues: exclusivity in ministry, the seriousness of causing others to stumble, and the need for spiritual faithfulness.

Inclusivity in Ministry

John reported that the disciples had tried to stop an unnamed man casting out demons in Jesus’ name because “he followeth not us.” Jesus replied, “Forbid him not,” explaining that anyone doing miracles in His name cannot quickly speak evil of Him. “He that is not against us is on our part.” Even small acts of kindness done in Christ’s name, such as giving a cup of water, will be rewarded. Sectarian pride must not hinder God’s broader work.

Warnings Against Sin and Stumbling

Jesus gave a solemn warning about causing “little ones” who believe in Him to stumble: it would be better to have a millstone hung around one’s neck and be cast into the sea. Using strong hyperbole, He urged radical action against sin; cutting off a hand or foot, or plucking out an eye, if it leads us astray. Better to enter life maimed than to be cast into the unquenchable fire of hell (Gehenna), “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”

Stay Salty

The passage closes with the metaphor of salt: “For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.” Salt preserves and flavors. Disciples must retain their spiritual potency and “have salt in yourselves,” living in peace with one another.

Stay “salty,” friends. 😉