Salt was a pretty hot commodity back in Jesus' day on earth. Even before that time the more ancient ancients liberally used it. Today, salt is still valued goods used in some similar ways as in eons past, but perhaps more as a seasoning in our times.To get some greater understanding, surf through the internet about salt, specifically to help make greater sense of Mark 9:42 to 50, focusing mostly on the last two verses. Research the context of Jesus' words to make them more comprehensive to yourself.
When we go way back to Lot's wife and her having been turned into a pillar of salt, we see this as a judgement and punishment upon her. She hadn't symbolically used salt to purify herself from the impurtities in the society in which she lived. In fact, she yearned for that life and was loathe to leave it. She "looked back" when the angels had commanded Lot's family to NOT look back when tthey were fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction (see Genesis 19:1-29 especially vs 17 & 26).
Abimelech, the violent son of Judge Gideon became king of Shechem by murdering his 70 half brothers and then eventually became king of Israel, as well. He ruled for about 3 years, dying when a woman dropped a millstone on his head. He was severely injured and asked his armor-bearer to finish him off, saying he didn't want it said a woman had killed him.
Before that incident though, Abimelech
"razed the city of Shechem and sowed it with salt" (Judges 9:45 ESV).
If you read that chapter 9 of Judges, you will see just how wicked and treacherous Abimelech had been. However, I want to point to what he did with the salt after razing the city. He scattered salt over it. This was a way of showing victory. So salt was used symbolically, showing who had "overcome" Shechem.
Does this ring any bells with you? Let's couple this unusual verse in Judges with John 16:32. Jesus said,
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Note that last sentence, "I have overcome the world;" said Jesus. And then He spread salt, as it were. Connect this with Mark 9:49-50.
"Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves ..."
More directly we can see this salt from the passage in Matthew 5:13 where he writes,
"You are the salt of the earth ..."
As believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, we are the 'salt' He has sown over the whole earth. By His death and resurrection, He conquered sin, suffering and death. He won the victory for our souls. And when we acccept Jesus as Savior, His gift of salvation - we become the "salt of the earth."
There is further explanation on the internet that explains that at the Dead Sea there were salt pools. When the sun scorched them dry, mineral residue was left behind so the salt had lost its saltiness (sorry this is my layman's understanding and terms).
When we relate this to our being salt of the earth and losing our saltiness, we will see that when we do not live in progressive sanctification, we too will not be very salty.
We need the refreshing and reviving washing of the Word of God on a daily basis. What's more, we need to live it out, and stand for truth such as going against those who advocate abortion, speaking out against racism and the like. I'm not necessarily meaning picketing and campaigning but when we are accosted by such issues in the run of a day, what will we say?
Of course, speak in gracious manner. We may still be persecuted, harassed and slandered as backlash, but we will know and understand that we have been salty enough. This is why we can "take heart".
This is also part of the fire that refines us and explains being "salted by fire". Thank God, that if and when we Christians have repented of loss of salitness, and have gone through 'fire' to remove impurities in our lives, that help us to be more like Jesus, and by Jesus' forgiveness, mercy and greace, we can continue to live for Him, in 'salty' manner, that is ever more, Christlike (see 1 John 1:9).
In this way, we can 'season' the environment we live in as individuals, to bring out the 'flavor of Christ,' and collectively, as the church and kingdom of God, we 'season' the whole earth, the world over.
There is one more analogy I'd like to share. I found this idea from my mini-research about being salt of the earth. This is in regards to firemen.
Apparently, in some places fireman are said to become salty. You can ask them, "How salty are you?" This would refer to the number of fires they've fought and overcome.
Conjointly, 'salty' refers to the fire-fighter's gear. Stained with soot and other residuals from their work, they get 'salty'.
Naturally, over time this soot stain can compromise the integrity of their equipment to nto being as heat or flame resistant and so on. They are literally salted by fire. I think you can see the implications and parallels to our Christian walk and living.
Let us always be on guard, fighting the good fight but remembering to continue to be progressively and pro-actively sanctified. Let's keep our saltiness at good salty levels (see 2 Timothy 4:7).
Lord Jesus, now I get it, as to what you mean about being the salt of the earth. You fought the good fight upon the cross earning our salvaation for us. You won the victory over Satan, sin, death and hell! You offered mankind this wonderful gift. I thank You and praise You along with all my brothers and sisters-in-Christ. Now you call us your "salt of the earth" which You have scattered and sown worldwide. You are so, so amazing! Help us though, through Your Holy Spirit's intervention, convictions, and guidance, along with the reading of Your word and our obeying You so that we will not lose our salitness but will always be evermore Christlike, to flavor and season this world with Yourself. Then we can be at peace with each other.
I give thanks, praise and ask in Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.
~ ERC July 2025 ~
Based on Mark 9:42-50 ESV.
Sing, You Are Salt For the Earth Song, along with Chrisitan Hymnal Songs/Divine Hymns.
