"The Salty Life" | Mark 9:38-50 | Tim Parlier

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In this powerful message, the focus shifts from fear-based interpretations of judgment to Jesus’ deeper call: to live a salty life. Drawing from Mark 9, we see Jesus correct His disciples’ pride and division, urging them—and us—to embody the preserving, enhancing, peace-making qualities of salt. Being “salty” means living humbly, encouraging others, offering everyday acts of love, and taking sin seriously, not out of shame, but in light of our gospel identity. Ultimately, we’re reminded that Jesus, the true Salt of the Earth, took on the judgment we deserved so that we could live empowered lives of influence, unity, and grace.

📖 Mark 9:38-50

Reflection Questions:

- Jesus challenges the disciples' exclusivity in verse 40 (“Anyone who is not against us is for us”). In what ways might we still be tempted to adopt an “us vs. them” mindset in our faith communities today?

- How can we become people who are known more for what we're for than what we're against?

- Jesus says even a small act, like giving a cup of water, will be rewarded. What simple, everyday acts of faithfulness or kindness might God be calling you to take more seriously?

- Where have you seen God work through “small things” in your own life or others’?

- Jesus uses strong language to describe the seriousness of sin and our influence on others. What areas of your life do you sense God calling you to greater vigilance or accountability in?

- How can we as a community help one another walk in our gospel identity without falling into legalism or shame?

- “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another” (v. 50). What does it look like for you personally to “live salty” as a preserver and enhancer of life in your relationships, workplace, or church?

- Jesus is described as the true and better Salt: He preserves, enhances, purifies, and brings peace. How does understanding what Jesus has done for you deepen your desire and ability to live the “salty life”?

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