And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
For he that is not against us is on our part.
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Mark 9 is a pivotal chapter in Jesus' ministry, offering profound insights into His identity, mission, and the nature of true discipleship. Nestled between Jesus' ministry in Gentile territories and His journey towards Jerusalem, this chapter focuses on training the disciples, revealing both their struggles and the path to genuine greatness in God's kingdom. It is an invitation to understand Jesus' multifaceted role as both the glorious Son of God and the suffering servant, and to embrace a leadership style rooted in service and sacrifice.
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory (Mark 9:1-13)
Jesus begins by promising His followers that some among them would witness the power of God's kingdom before they die (Mark 9:1). This promise finds its fulfillment just a week later, as Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them, His divine glory breaking through His human form in a dazzling display (Mark 9:2-3). This wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a "sneak peek" of the glory of the coming kingdom, a powerful affirmation of Jesus' deity.
Adding to the scene, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus (Mark 9:4). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, symbolize the entire Old Testament pointing towards Jesus (Matthew 5:17; 22:40). Peter, overwhelmed and perhaps fearful, suggests building three shelters, one for each of them (Mark 9:5). However, God the Father's voice thunders from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to Him (Mark 9:7). The focus is to be on Jesus alone.
As the vision fades, the disciples find themselves alone with Jesus (Mark 9:8). He instructs them to keep the experience a secret until after His resurrection (Mark 9:9). However, they struggle to grasp the concept of resurrection, highlighting their limited understanding of Jesus' mission (Mark 9:10). This misunderstanding sets the stage for their subsequent questions about Elijah's role.
The disciples, having just witnessed Elijah, inquire why the scribes insist that Elijah must come before the Messiah (Mark 9:11), referencing Malachi 4:5. Jesus confirms that Elijah does come first to restore all things (Mark 9:12). He then reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus but was ultimately rejected and mistreated (Mark 9:13, Matthew 11:14, 17:13). John, like Elijah, was a messenger of God calling people to repentance. This revelation underscores the disciples' continued struggle to understand the true nature of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Faith and Powerlessness: The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy (Mark 9:14-29)
Descending from the mountain, Jesus and the three disciples encounter a chaotic scene: the remaining disciples are embroiled in a dispute with the scribes (Mark 9:14). A father explains that he brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were unable to cast the demon out (Mark 9:16-18). The evil spirit inflicted severe physical and emotional torment on the boy, and the disciples' failure led to the argument with the scribes, who questioned their authority.
Jesus, frustrated by their lack of faith, exclaims, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" (Mark 9:19). The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles, lacked the spiritual receptivity to exercise their own faith. When the demon sees Jesus, it throws the boy into a violent convulsion (Mark 9:20). The father, desperate and doubting, questions if even Jesus can help (Mark 9:22).
Jesus responds with a powerful declaration: "Everything is possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23). Recognizing the man's wavering faith, the father cries out, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). This honest plea is a powerful reminder that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the willingness to trust God even in the midst of uncertainty. If you find yourself doubting God, let this man’s cry be your prayer. Be honest with God about your doubts and proceed in faith. God will honor your faith and strengthen it in spite of your doubt.
Jesus rebukes the demon, commanding it to leave the boy (Mark 9:25). The demon departs with a final, violent display, leaving the boy seemingly lifeless (Mark 9:26). However, Jesus takes the boy's hand, and he rises (Mark 9:27).
Later, the disciples privately ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon (Mark 9:28). Jesus explains that some demons require a greater dependence on divine intervention, accessible only through prayer (Mark 9:29). Some demons are worse and more powerful than others. Past spiritual victories do not guarantee future success; each battle requires fresh dependence on God.
The Second Prediction and the Pursuit of Greatness (Mark 9:30-37)
Leaving that place, Jesus continues to travel through Galilee, seeking to remain somewhat hidden so He can focus on teaching His disciples (Mark 9:30). He again predicts His betrayal, death, and resurrection (Mark 9:31), echoing His earlier announcement in Mark 8:31. However, the disciples remain confused and afraid to ask Him about it (Mark 9:32). They were just as confused about this second prediction as they were about the first.
Arriving in Capernaum, Jesus confronts the disciples about their argument on the road (Mark 9:33). Ashamed, they remain silent, for they had been debating which of them was the greatest (Mark 9:34).
Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach them about true greatness. He declares that "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). Greatness comes by being a servant to others—not by exalting yourself above others. You must believe that God will honor your servanthood in history and in eternity.
To illustrate His point, Jesus takes a child in His arms (Mark 9:36). He explains that welcoming such a child in His name welcomes Him, and welcoming Him welcomes the Father who sent Him (Mark 9:37). To show kindness to a child—who can offer nothing in return—is to serve God. Greatness is not achieved through marvelous actions that all see. It’s often achieved through lowly and unseen acts of service toward those who cannot repay. But God sees, and God repays.
Inclusivity and the Dangers of Stumbling Blocks (Mark 9:38-50)
John reports that they had tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name because he was not one of their group (Mark 9:38). They considered themselves part of an exclusive team. After all, they were the only ones who’d been deputized by Jesus to minister in his name. So who did that guy think he was? Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Do not stop him...For whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:39-40). Someone cannot work for him and against him at the same time. This principle extends beyond exorcisms: even a simple act of kindness, like giving a cup of water in Jesus' name, will be rewarded (Mark 9:41). God sees and remembers all things done for his glory and for the good of others, especially those who belong to the household of faith (cf. Galatians 6:10).
Jesus then warns against causing "little ones" who believe in Him to stumble (Mark 9:42). The consequences for leading a follower of Christ astray through deception or false teaching are severe. It would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea. A millstone was used to grind grain, and it was so heavy that a donkey was typically used to move it. Thus, the consequences are grave for leading a follower of Christ astray through deception or false teaching. God’s severe judgment will fall.
Using vivid imagery, Jesus emphasizes the importance of removing anything that causes one to sin, even if it requires drastic measures (Mark 9:43-47). The hand (representing things you handle), the foot (representing the places you go), and the eye (symbolizing the things you look at) can open doors to sin; thus, an unbeliever must take drastic measures to remove sinful hindrances from coming to faith. It is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. The kingdom of God is worth any sacrifice.
He describes hell as a place of eternal torment, where "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:48, Isaiah 66:24). There are several things we learn about hell from this brief statement. First, it’s clear that Jesus considered it a real place. So though many today deny the existence of hell, their claims run contrary to Jesus’s. Second, hell is a place of intense suffering, both external and internal. The “fire” represents the source of external suffering. The “worm” represents the source of internal suffering—the gnawing from within. Third, hell is eternal. Some today argue that unbelievers are “annihilated” after death, but Jesus says the worm doesn’t die and the fire isn’t quenched. The suffering of hell, then, is never-ending. The good news of Jesus Christ is so good because the bad news of hell is so bad.
Jesus concludes with a discussion of salt, symbolizing the purifying and preserving influence believers should have in the world (Mark 9:49-50). Even believers will have to deal with the salt of trial in their lives. As Old Testament sacrifices were offered with salt (Leviticus 2:13), so believers must live their lives with sacrifice in mind. Salt had a variety of helpful uses in New Testament times: it was a medicine, a seasoning, and a preservative. Similarly, believers are to be like salt in promoting peace among fellow believers. This demonstrates the preserving power of God. Believers are to "have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other" (Mark 9:50).
And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.
And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?
And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.
And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.
And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?
And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
For he that is not against us is on our part.
For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Mark 9 is a pivotal chapter in Jesus' ministry, offering profound insights into His identity, mission, and the nature of true discipleship. Nestled between Jesus' ministry in Gentile territories and His journey towards Jerusalem, this chapter focuses on training the disciples, revealing both their struggles and the path to genuine greatness in God's kingdom. It is an invitation to understand Jesus' multifaceted role as both the glorious Son of God and the suffering servant, and to embrace a leadership style rooted in service and sacrifice.
The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Glory (Mark 9:1-13)
Jesus begins by promising His followers that some among them would witness the power of God's kingdom before they die (Mark 9:1). This promise finds its fulfillment just a week later, as Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. There, He is transfigured before them, His divine glory breaking through His human form in a dazzling display (Mark 9:2-3). This wasn't just a visual spectacle; it was a "sneak peek" of the glory of the coming kingdom, a powerful affirmation of Jesus' deity.
Adding to the scene, Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Jesus (Mark 9:4). Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the Prophets, symbolize the entire Old Testament pointing towards Jesus (Matthew 5:17; 22:40). Peter, overwhelmed and perhaps fearful, suggests building three shelters, one for each of them (Mark 9:5). However, God the Father's voice thunders from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son, commanding the disciples to listen to Him (Mark 9:7). The focus is to be on Jesus alone.
As the vision fades, the disciples find themselves alone with Jesus (Mark 9:8). He instructs them to keep the experience a secret until after His resurrection (Mark 9:9). However, they struggle to grasp the concept of resurrection, highlighting their limited understanding of Jesus' mission (Mark 9:10). This misunderstanding sets the stage for their subsequent questions about Elijah's role.
The disciples, having just witnessed Elijah, inquire why the scribes insist that Elijah must come before the Messiah (Mark 9:11), referencing Malachi 4:5. Jesus confirms that Elijah does come first to restore all things (Mark 9:12). He then reveals that Elijah has already come in the person of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus but was ultimately rejected and mistreated (Mark 9:13, Matthew 11:14, 17:13). John, like Elijah, was a messenger of God calling people to repentance. This revelation underscores the disciples' continued struggle to understand the true nature of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Faith and Powerlessness: The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Boy (Mark 9:14-29)
Descending from the mountain, Jesus and the three disciples encounter a chaotic scene: the remaining disciples are embroiled in a dispute with the scribes (Mark 9:14). A father explains that he brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples, but they were unable to cast the demon out (Mark 9:16-18). The evil spirit inflicted severe physical and emotional torment on the boy, and the disciples' failure led to the argument with the scribes, who questioned their authority.
Jesus, frustrated by their lack of faith, exclaims, "O unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?" (Mark 9:19). The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles, lacked the spiritual receptivity to exercise their own faith. When the demon sees Jesus, it throws the boy into a violent convulsion (Mark 9:20). The father, desperate and doubting, questions if even Jesus can help (Mark 9:22).
Jesus responds with a powerful declaration: "Everything is possible for one who believes" (Mark 9:23). Recognizing the man's wavering faith, the father cries out, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). This honest plea is a powerful reminder that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the willingness to trust God even in the midst of uncertainty. If you find yourself doubting God, let this man’s cry be your prayer. Be honest with God about your doubts and proceed in faith. God will honor your faith and strengthen it in spite of your doubt.
Jesus rebukes the demon, commanding it to leave the boy (Mark 9:25). The demon departs with a final, violent display, leaving the boy seemingly lifeless (Mark 9:26). However, Jesus takes the boy's hand, and he rises (Mark 9:27).
Later, the disciples privately ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon (Mark 9:28). Jesus explains that some demons require a greater dependence on divine intervention, accessible only through prayer (Mark 9:29). Some demons are worse and more powerful than others. Past spiritual victories do not guarantee future success; each battle requires fresh dependence on God.
The Second Prediction and the Pursuit of Greatness (Mark 9:30-37)
Leaving that place, Jesus continues to travel through Galilee, seeking to remain somewhat hidden so He can focus on teaching His disciples (Mark 9:30). He again predicts His betrayal, death, and resurrection (Mark 9:31), echoing His earlier announcement in Mark 8:31. However, the disciples remain confused and afraid to ask Him about it (Mark 9:32). They were just as confused about this second prediction as they were about the first.
Arriving in Capernaum, Jesus confronts the disciples about their argument on the road (Mark 9:33). Ashamed, they remain silent, for they had been debating which of them was the greatest (Mark 9:34).
Jesus seizes this opportunity to teach them about true greatness. He declares that "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all" (Mark 9:35). Greatness comes by being a servant to others—not by exalting yourself above others. You must believe that God will honor your servanthood in history and in eternity.
To illustrate His point, Jesus takes a child in His arms (Mark 9:36). He explains that welcoming such a child in His name welcomes Him, and welcoming Him welcomes the Father who sent Him (Mark 9:37). To show kindness to a child—who can offer nothing in return—is to serve God. Greatness is not achieved through marvelous actions that all see. It’s often achieved through lowly and unseen acts of service toward those who cannot repay. But God sees, and God repays.
Inclusivity and the Dangers of Stumbling Blocks (Mark 9:38-50)
John reports that they had tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name because he was not one of their group (Mark 9:38). They considered themselves part of an exclusive team. After all, they were the only ones who’d been deputized by Jesus to minister in his name. So who did that guy think he was? Jesus rebukes them, saying, "Do not stop him...For whoever is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:39-40). Someone cannot work for him and against him at the same time. This principle extends beyond exorcisms: even a simple act of kindness, like giving a cup of water in Jesus' name, will be rewarded (Mark 9:41). God sees and remembers all things done for his glory and for the good of others, especially those who belong to the household of faith (cf. Galatians 6:10).
Jesus then warns against causing "little ones" who believe in Him to stumble (Mark 9:42). The consequences for leading a follower of Christ astray through deception or false teaching are severe. It would be better to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea. A millstone was used to grind grain, and it was so heavy that a donkey was typically used to move it. Thus, the consequences are grave for leading a follower of Christ astray through deception or false teaching. God’s severe judgment will fall.
Using vivid imagery, Jesus emphasizes the importance of removing anything that causes one to sin, even if it requires drastic measures (Mark 9:43-47). The hand (representing things you handle), the foot (representing the places you go), and the eye (symbolizing the things you look at) can open doors to sin; thus, an unbeliever must take drastic measures to remove sinful hindrances from coming to faith. It is better to enter life maimed than to be thrown into hell. The kingdom of God is worth any sacrifice.
He describes hell as a place of eternal torment, where "their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched" (Mark 9:48, Isaiah 66:24). There are several things we learn about hell from this brief statement. First, it’s clear that Jesus considered it a real place. So though many today deny the existence of hell, their claims run contrary to Jesus’s. Second, hell is a place of intense suffering, both external and internal. The “fire” represents the source of external suffering. The “worm” represents the source of internal suffering—the gnawing from within. Third, hell is eternal. Some today argue that unbelievers are “annihilated” after death, but Jesus says the worm doesn’t die and the fire isn’t quenched. The suffering of hell, then, is never-ending. The good news of Jesus Christ is so good because the bad news of hell is so bad.
Jesus concludes with a discussion of salt, symbolizing the purifying and preserving influence believers should have in the world (Mark 9:49-50). Even believers will have to deal with the salt of trial in their lives. As Old Testament sacrifices were offered with salt (Leviticus 2:13), so believers must live their lives with sacrifice in mind. Salt had a variety of helpful uses in New Testament times: it was a medicine, a seasoning, and a preservative. Similarly, believers are to be like salt in promoting peace among fellow believers. This demonstrates the preserving power of God. Believers are to "have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other" (Mark 9:50).