I am a Jesus pusher!!! “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” (Matthew 5:13). A direct parallel to our verse is the Parable of the Vine and Branches. Jesus said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6). A branch that does not abide in the life of the vine is fruitless. He is “cast out” and “gathered” like firewood. He is no longer a branch; he has become dead, lifeless wood.
Jesus’ statement, “to be thrown out” (Matthew 5:13), is an infinitive indicating purpose. An infinitive depends upon the main verb and the main subject, which are “It is good.” It is a focus on “uselessness, lacking value.” Therefore, there is only one thing left. It is not an expression of meanness; it does not indicate anger, condemnation, or even judgment. It is only a matter of fact, the final determination. The focus is not using what is leftover, or all that remains. It has “no use, except,” referring to the fate of the useless; it can only “be thrown out.” Uselessness is the picture of a helpless individual who does not embrace his destiny, which is to be filled with the nature of Jesus. Our only value is in Him! Who I am and who He is must merge into the union of a new creature, the Kingdom person. My full potential, value, and identity are in this relationship of intimacy with Jesus. I am a Jesus pusher!!!