Mark 9:42-50 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is Mark 9:42-50. Let’s go!
Mark 9:42-48 (NIV)
42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.
43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,
48 where “‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’
On verses 42-48: Jesus’ words here show us a number of things:
1. Here Jesus shows us how holy God is, how nothing with sin can stand in His presence. If it weren’t for Jesus Christ dying on the cross to pay for our sinfulness, none of us would stand a chance of going to heaven. As Psalm 130:3-4 says, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.” May we never take God’s incredible holiness or His equally incredible mercy for granted.
2. Here Jesus shows us that heaven and hell are real places that we should take seriously.
Mark 9:49 (NIV)
49 Everyone will be salted with fire.
On verse 49: What does “everyone will be salted with fire” mean? While scholars differ in their interpretation, I believe the best interpretation is that everyone will be subject to God’s judgment (see 2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who do not have Christ will be subject to eternal judgment. Those who have Christ will be saved for eternity, although what kind of reward they will receive in heaven on top of being saved will depend on how faithful they were with what God gave then.
As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15:
12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw,
13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.
14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.
15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Mark 9:50 (NIV)
50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
On verse 50: What does salt represent here? Again, while scholars have varying interpretations, I believe the best way to interpret this verse is that, just as salt brings flavour and preservation to whatever it touches, so as Christ followers we are to bring flavour and life to the people around us. Whether it’s through our deeds (Matthew 5:13-16) or through our words (Colossians 4:6), may people taste the positive difference Jesus makes in our lives.
Keep in mind that Jesus spoke these words in response to a dispute that his disciples were having with others (see Mark 9:38). Jesus uses that dispute to remind the disciples to have eternity in mind when they’re living day to day, to value unity, holiness and living in peace with others.
So how do we live with eternity in mind?
(1) Remember that God is holy.
(2) Remember that only through God’s mercy expressed through Jesus Christ do we have any chance of heaven.
(3) Remember that heaven and hell are real places that we need to take seriously.
(4) Remember that all people including Christians will be judged and/or rewarded for how we lived on this earth.
(5) Like salt, live each day to flavour and preserve life for the people around you.
Jesus, thank You for reminding me to have eternity in mind when living day to day so that I would live for what’s most important. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
