There are many arguments that the Bible contradicts itself, therefore how can it be 100% accurate or trustworthy? This post is not to argue any ‘contradictions’ that are in the Bible. I love that the 4 Gospels are so very similar, and yet they are 4 different views of the events that unfolded! It just like with any event, every person will see or notice something different!
Salt. It is mentioned in three passages of the Gospels; Matthew 5, Mark 9, and Luke 14. Each account has the same idea, but each has its own little perspective of something Jesus said.
Matthew 5:
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. – Mat 5:13 NKJV
Mark 9:
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt [is] good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” – Mar 9:49-50 NKJV
Luke 14:
34 “Salt [is] good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? – Luk 14:34 NKJV
Salt was a necessity in that day. It was more than just a seasoning to spice up ones food, but was used for many purposes, including the preservation of food. It was very valuable.
Matthew and Mark’s account tend to speak to my heart more than Luke’s and I hope they will to you as well, here is why:
We see in Matthew that the emphasis was put on if you lose your saltiness, ‘it is better to be thrown on the ground and be trampled’. Salt is no good if it loses what it was created to be. It has been rendered worthless. Once salt has lost its ability to be salty, you cannot re-salt salt.
Mark takes it one step further, not only should we be salty, we should have peace among ourselves. If we are all salt, then let us work together to season this world!
Many times it feels like the body of Christ, the Church acts more like water and oil, not salt. We must value each other.
