“Words of Life and Death” – MARK 9:42-50

This passage of scripture is a collection of maxims spoken by Jesus that are on the one hand unrelated, yet one the other hand, sharing a common thread.

The common thread is the two distinct eternal destinies for mankind.

The destiny of the saved is to be blissful beyond imagination, but Jesus mentions it in rather subdued terms. The destiny of the lost will be horrible, and Jesus pours forth a variety of descriptions for hell using quite vivid imagery.

Why the difference?

When we think of heaven, so many people immediately think “pearly gates” and “streets of gold”. The descriptions of heaven in scripture are limited by human understanding and human experience and necessarily fall short of the splendor, joy and love that awaits the saved. Even so, Jesus offers His first reference to heaven simply as entering “life” (9:43, 45). The profound simplicity takes on depth when we think about that which we cherish most. Life. We spend our lives seeking enhancement to our lives. Education, money, relationships, joy, peace (9:50b), activities, spirituality all are part of pursuing abundant life on this earth. We go to great length to preserve our life and the lives of those we love.

The only true enhancement to this life is eternal life.

The second reference to heaven is entering “the kingdom of God” (9:47). Jesus established His kingdom and the saved are added to it (Mark 9:1, Acts 2:47, Colossians 1:13-14, Revelation 1:9 and Hebrews 12:28). Still, the best is yet to come. When He returns, Jesus will deliver the kingdom to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:23-24 – notice it does not say “establish”). That is what Jesus makes reference to in this passage … eternity in heaven with all of the saved and our God. Human politics offers no true hope, but eternity in the kingdom of God is the essence of hope.

Living under the rule of Satan is slavery, but life in the kingdom of God is truly living!

In stark contrast, Jesus makes sure we really get the picture when He describes hell (or, “Gehenna”). The most critical delusion a person can receive is the thought that hell will not “be all that bad”. How many have said that “it’ll just be a big party!”?

In the various figures He used in His teaching, Jesus does not describe hell … He describes hell’s absolute HORROR! Literally, hell cannot be “outer darkness” and “unquenchable fire” since fire obviously is a source of light. Likewise “worms” and “fire” do not co-exist.

So what is Jesus saying when He says, “their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished” (9:44, 46)?

Gehenna is the Valley of Hinnon which served as the garbage dump for Jerusalem. In this placed children were sacrificed to Molech (2 Kings 23:10, 2 Chronicles 28:3). Children are special to Jesus and the horror of helpless drowning (9:42) with a huge millstone pulling you down into the depths will not compare to hell because in drowning you eventually die and the suffering stops. Hell is God’s refuse disposal site for all who refuse to escape sin (9:43, 45, 47) and conform to His holy will. The fire in the Valley of Hinnon was burning only until the time when fuel ceased to be added. The horror of hell will be far worse, because the fire never dies out … ever (9:43b). We have a pretty good picture of the role that worms play in the decomposition of human flesh once buried in the grave. Imagine if this work went on while you were conscious.

Such is the horror of hell, because it never stops.

When we think about our actions toward others (9:42, 50b) … think of eternity.

When tempted to sin (9:43, 45, 47) … think of true life.

When we are beset by tribulations (9:49) … count the cost of falling.

When called upon to serve (9:50) … think of His sacrifice that makes eternal life possible.

Jesus Christ is a matter of unimaginable life as opposed to unfathomable horror.