Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the WorldSample

First Thought 

Today’s passage contains some of Jesus’ hardest words. Mark doesn’t pull his punches in recording what Jesus said that was difficult and challenging. The imagery is severe. For wrecking another’s faith, whoever they are, is a deadly serious matter. As Jesus teaches His disciples what it means to truly follow Him, He often contrasts ‘saving one’s life’ with the call to ‘lose one’s life’ for the sake of the gospel. This theme surfaces here as Jesus warns His disciples to fiercely watch what they do, where they go, and what they pay attention to; to apply limits and boundaries where they risk sin. Why does this matter? His followers are to be salt in society, Jesus declares. Salt has many uses, especially as a preservative. Commenting on the decay we see in society, John Stott declared, ‘One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad. It cannot do anything else. The real question to ask is: Where is the salt?’

What Does the Bible Say?

‘Be at peace with one another’, Jesus exhorted the disciples. Why do you think Jesus emphasized this at the conclusion of such fierce teaching? 

Living it Out

How are you ‘salt’ in your everyday life?

Responding in Prayer

Almighty God, I want to be ‘salt’ in the world. It’s challenging and I need your help (…). Amen.