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Author Topic: Parables of Jesus bit by bit  (Read 7494 times)

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guest24

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Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« on: May 13, 2021, 06:37:43 am »
Parables of Jesus...salt.

Matthew 5...13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.

The salt of the earth…
   Salt is an interesting nutrient.  It can both heal and kill or make ill. It is a preservative and at the same time gives flavor to that which it is added.  Salt is good for your brain, your heart, your muscles, your oral health, water balance, and digestion.  It cleanses, is antibacterial, and has antiseptic qualities.  So when Jesus uses the term, “you are the salt of the earth”, there is a lot that goes into the statement that can easily be overlooked in a rush to understand His intended meaning.
   In Exodus 19:26 we see that incense was to be made and to that was added salt.  This incense was both pure and holy and not to be used for any purpose but to offer it to God.  Salt was even to be mixed with grain offerings. (Leviticus 2) There is also a covenant of salt talked about in scripture (Numbers 18:19; II Chronicles 13:5)  In Deuteronomy 29:23 the burning waste of sulfur and salt is a representation of God’s anger.  We see salt referring to healing in II Kings 2:19-21 and Ezekiel 16:4.  Mark 9:49 offers an interesting comment about how everyone will be salted with fire.  And then goes on to talk about what if salt loses its flavor.  (Mark 9:49 (HCSB) 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another.”)  It is hard to understand how something salted with fire can lose its flavor but maybe the answer to this riddle is at the end of the verse where we are told that salt should lead us to be at peace with one another.  One of the common uses for salt in Biblical days was that it was an indication of fine food.  IOW’s when one was sharing in the dining experience with a friend they used salt on their food thus it was sort of like a symbol of friendship.  Job 6:6 also talks about the flavor of salt as does Luke 14:34.  Even the Roman soldiers were paid in salt since salt was so valuable to society.
   Two additional things  I think will help our understanding of the parable of the salt are found in how it informs our understanding of covenant and speech.  As a covenant, salt, because of its preservative nature symbolizes the binding nature of a covenant whereas as a seasoning, it symbolizes friendship and community.  It is a picture of that which preserves combined with compassion.  The Strong’s online Bible dictionary talks about salt representing wisdom with grace when it comes to our speech.  In fact, James 3:12 talks about salt in relation to our language.  We are told about the need to tame the tongue.  Some of the characteristics of that are 1. We cannot change ourselves  2. Wisdom and understanding are shown in how we conduct our lives and with the wisdom and gentleness, we show.  3.  It requires an examination of self and a refusal to deny things that linger in the old man like bragging, envy, and selfish ambitions.  In fact, these things bring disorder and evil and God wants order not chaos. (I Corinthians 14:40; I Corinthians 14:33; Colossians 2:5)  The wisdom that should be the salt of our speech is that which is pure, peace-loving, gentle, full of mercy and good fruit, not showing favoritism or hypocrisy.  I especially like James 3:18 (HCSB) 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.  Peace and righteousness go hand in hand, especially when talking about how we are to live as salt to the world.
   Another passage of interest in learning what the parable of the salt means is found in Colossians 4:2-6.  From this passage, we can learn that being salt to or in the world involves devoting ourselves to prayer, staying alert with thanksgiving, praying that the door would be opened to share the gospel.  We see that acting wisely comes back up as we are to act wisely to outsiders, making the most of the time we have.  Our speech once again is to be gracious and ready to give an answer.  (I Peter 3:15; Proverbs 15:28; Proverbs 22:21; Colossians 4:6; II Timothy 2:25)
   In Matthew 5 we see Jesus speaking to a crowd of people.  His message is that of the famous beatitudes.  Immediately after He gives this parable...Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men.  The audience listening would have been very familiar with the uses for salt as well as their significance to the law and sacrifices.  When we consider that salt is a preservative and that the gospel message of Christ preserves life through salvation, it would seem logical that one of the aspects of being the salt of the world is that of preaching the gospel message of Christ but as a seasoning shared in friendship, it is a message that should be shared with compassion, grace, wisdom, and grace. 
   What happens then when we fail in this calling to be the salt of the earth, those who seek peace?  We are no longer useful.  (II Corinthians 5:20; II Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 6:20; Malachi 2:1-9)  We are the ambassadors for Christ and thus living a life that exemplifies that in the world is our duty here on earth.

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guest125

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2021, 11:01:44 am »
Did I miss it?

I read it fast, so if I missed it please point me back to where you answered the question he posed?

"If salt loses it's saltiness, can it be made salty again?"  He seemed to be saying 'no.'  It becomes no good-- throw it out...

 It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Do you agree or disagree?  And what was he talking about exactly? 



guest24

  • Guest
Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2021, 12:12:11 pm »
Did I miss it?

I read it fast, so if I missed it please point me back to where you answered the question he posed?

"If salt loses it's saltiness, can it be made salty again?"  He seemed to be saying 'no.'  It becomes no good-- throw it out...

 It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

Do you agree or disagree?  And what was he talking about exactly? 


  What happens then when we fail in this calling to be the salt of the earth, those who seek peace?  We are no longer useful.  (II Corinthians 5:20; II Corinthians 6:1; Ephesians 6:20; Malachi 2:1-9)  We are the ambassadors for Christ and thus living a life that exemplifies that in the world is our duty here on earth.

I also realized I didn't talk about how one becomes useless so I am working on that part, starting with the parable of the sower and moving on from there, then I will be looking into being the light...

and yes, I believe what scripture says.
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guest125

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2021, 03:15:08 pm »
I think you nailed it Lori.

It's not so much about "saltiness" per se, as it is about "usefulness" -for what good is salt that is no longer salty?  It's value, is in it's purpose.

In the passage/parable you reference Jesus is clearly pointing at the law of Moses as that thing that lost it's value and is no longer worth anything (except to be trod upon).  Similarly Paul, as you note in 2 Corinthians is referencing our earthly tents as that thing that once worn out are no longer of value.  We can talk a great deal about the purpose and properties of salt, but that's sidestepping the actual subject matter of each reference in favor of those characteristics that we all recognize as what gives "salt" it's value.

The conversation includes salt, but goes much deeper and beyond salt. 

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2021, 04:51:12 pm »
Ground pepper
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guest24

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2021, 12:07:47 pm »
I think you nailed it Lori.

It's not so much about "saltiness" per se, as it is about "usefulness" -for what good is salt that is no longer salty?  It's value, is in it's purpose.

In the passage/parable you reference Jesus is clearly pointing at the law of Moses as that thing that lost it's value and is no longer worth anything (except to be trod upon).
where do you get that it is talking about the law of Moses when it talks about the disciples being the salt?  If the disciples are the salt of the earth, are they the law?
Quote
Similarly Paul, as you note in 2 Corinthians is referencing our earthly tents as that thing that once worn out are no longer of value.  We can talk a great deal about the purpose and properties of salt, but that's sidestepping the actual subject matter of each reference in favor of those characteristics that we all recognize as what gives "salt" it's value.
actually, I would say that it is the purpose for which God created man that gives us our value, but that goes back to why or how you see the disciples being salt is actually the law of Moses being the salt...I'm anxious to have you unravel this mystery for me.
Quote
The conversation includes salt, but goes much deeper and beyond salt.

guest24

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2021, 12:08:50 pm »
Ground pepper
salt, pepper and garlic are our go to spices...can't forget the garlic.
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guest125

  • Guest
Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2021, 12:12:16 pm »
You read the passage you are pointing to right?

What is it about?  No mystery.  It's about the law.  The whole section.

Jesus is teaching that the law is NOT the preservative, the seasoning, the cure or the thing of value.

YOU ARE.

 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how 6 can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a 7 hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a 8 basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not 9 the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches 10 others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever 11 keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
 20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Personal Relationships
 21 “You have heard that 12 the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be 13 liable to the court.’ 22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be 14 guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘15 You good-for-nothing,’ shall be 16 guilty before 17 the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be 18 guilty enough to go into the 19 fiery hell. 23 “Therefore if you are presenting your 20 offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your 21 offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your 22 offering. 25 “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 “Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last 23 cent.
 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 “If your right eye makes you 24 stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you 25 to lose one of the parts of your body, 26 than for your whole body to be thrown into 27 hell. 30 “If your right hand makes you 28 stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you 29 to lose one of the parts of your body, 30 than for your whole body to go into 31 hell.
 31 “It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’; 32 but I say to you that everyone who 32 divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a 33 divorced woman commits adultery.
 33 “Again, you have heard that 34 the ancients were told, ‘35 YOU SHALL NOT 36 MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR 37 VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34 “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or 38 by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36 “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is 39 of evil.
 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your 40 shirt, let him have your 41 coat also. 41 “Whoever 42 forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may 43 be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 “Therefore 44 you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
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guest24

  • Guest
Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2021, 03:04:55 pm »
You read the passage you are pointing to right?

What is it about?  No mystery.  It's about the law.  The whole section.

Jesus is teaching that the law is NOT the preservative, the seasoning, the cure or the thing of value.

YOU ARE.

 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how 6 can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a 7 hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a 8 basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
 17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not 9 the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches 10 others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever 11 keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
 20 “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Personal Relationships
 21 “You have heard that 12 the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be 13 liable to the court.’ 22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be 14 guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘15 You good-for-nothing,’ shall be 16 guilty before 17 the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be 18 guilty enough to go into the 19 fiery hell. 23 “Therefore if you are presenting your 20 offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your 21 offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your 22 offering. 25 “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 “Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last 23 cent.
 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 “If your right eye makes you 24 stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you 25 to lose one of the parts of your body, 26 than for your whole body to be thrown into 27 hell. 30 “If your right hand makes you 28 stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you 29 to lose one of the parts of your body, 30 than for your whole body to go into 31 hell.
 31 “It was said, ‘WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE’; 32 but I say to you that everyone who 32 divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a 33 divorced woman commits adultery.
 33 “Again, you have heard that 34 the ancients were told, ‘35 YOU SHALL NOT 36 MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR 37 VOWS TO THE LORD.’ 34 “But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or 38 by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. 36 “Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 “But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is 39 of evil.
 38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your 40 shirt, let him have your 41 coat also. 41 “Whoever 42 forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 “Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may 43 be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 “Therefore 44 you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
actually He is teaching the beatitudes....are the beatitudes the Law of Moses in your way of thinking? He taught the beatitudes then pulled the disciples aside and said, "YOU are the salt of the world"...what part of that says the law to you?  When did the disciples become the Law of Moses?
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guest116

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #9 on: May 14, 2021, 03:12:44 pm »
Following this discussion
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guest125

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #10 on: May 14, 2021, 04:39:11 pm »
Please do follow along Chappy-- and feel free to chime in.  Lori can't seem to find any mention of the Law in Matthew 5.

Maybe you will have better luck.
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guest125

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #11 on: May 15, 2021, 11:44:32 am »
In teaching what we have come to call 'the beatitudes' he is presenting ideas that create a contrast between those ideas and the things the people have been taught.  He presents all the 'Blessed are...' statements and then he immediately launches into an exposé on the law of Moses and in doing so he is incriminating those experts in the law that he mentions- the Scribes and Pharisees who were viewed as the top of the heap in all things religious.  They were the lawyers and judges-- think in terms of the judicial system, and more!  From the perspective of the Jewish people living under this system, those same leaders were also law enforcement in the most literal sense of the term.  They kept the law, administered it, enforced it, interpreted it, added to it when they saw fit, judged using it, sentenced with it and upheld it to the fullest.  And, though the people including those leaders were under Roman rule, it was these religious leaders who controlled society wielding religious authority as granted by Rome to maintain order.  In exchange Rome propped up their power and it was through the temple organization that taxes were collected and with every exchange of dollars political influence increased and corruption abounded.  That's just how it works.  That's how it worked then, and that's how it works now.  Money, bankers, politics, lawyers, judges, law enforcement, and religion.

Jesus come along and draws a distinction....it's NOT the law, or keeping the law, or administering the law, or making laws that make you right before God.  It's not riches or power that demonstrate whom the Father has blessed...

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


You are the salt...   the law is NOT the salt.  Those scribes and Pharisees are not the salt.

You are the light...  the law is NOT the light.  Those scribes and Pharisees are not the light.
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guest24

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Re: Parables of Jesus bit by bit
« Reply #12 on: May 15, 2021, 03:17:40 pm »
Please do follow along Chappy-- and feel free to chime in.  Lori can't seem to find any mention of the Law in Matthew 5.

Maybe you will have better luck.
Be careful...I did NOT say that the law was NOT mentioned, I DID say that the parable of the salt is directed at the disciples being the salt of the earth, not the law as you ascribed to.

 

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