Scripture:
Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 (WEBBE)
“John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he wasn’t following us.” But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able soon after to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward. “Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, than having your two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, than having your two feet to be cast into hell. If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell, where their worm doesn’t die, and the fire is not quenched.”
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus addresses issues of inclusion, humility, and radical commitment to discipleship. He uses vivid imagery and strong language to convey the seriousness of following Him and the importance of recognizing those who are working in His name.
Inclusion and Unity: John reports that they tried to stop someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group. Jesus rebukes this narrow-mindedness, emphasizing that anyone who does mighty works in His name is on their side. This teaches us about the broad scope of God’s work and the need for unity within the body of Christ. We should recognize and support those who are genuinely advancing God’s Kingdom, even if they are not part of our immediate circle.
Small Acts of Faithfulness: Jesus highlights that even a small act of kindness, like giving a cup of water in His name, will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. This underscores the value of simple, faithful actions done for His sake. It’s a reminder that every act of service and every expression of support for His mission matters.
Seriousness of Sin: Jesus uses stark, graphic imagery to illustrate the gravity of leading others astray and the seriousness of dealing with sin. The warning about causing “one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble” indicates the importance of safeguarding the faith of others, particularly those who are new or vulnerable in their belief.
Radical Commitment: The call to cut off a hand, foot, or eye if they cause us to stumble highlights the radical nature of discipleship. Jesus is not advocating literal self-mutilation but is emphasizing the need for serious and decisive action against sin in our lives. The metaphor underscores that it is better to make difficult sacrifices now in order to gain eternal life than to cling to sin and face eternal consequences.
Personal Application: As we reflect on this passage, we are invited to evaluate our own attitudes and actions in light of Jesus’ teaching. Are we inclusive and supportive of others who are working for God’s Kingdom? Are we attentive to our own actions and how they affect others’ faith? How are we addressing sin in our own lives, and are we willing to make radical changes to follow Jesus more faithfully?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for Your teachings on inclusion, humility, and the seriousness of discipleship. Help us to recognize and support those who work in Your name, even if they are not part of our immediate group. Teach us to value even the smallest acts of kindness and service done for Your sake. Guide us in making serious and decisive actions against sin in our lives, so that we may live in a way that honors You and leads others faithfully. Give us the courage to embrace the radical call to discipleship and to pursue Your Kingdom with all our hearts. In Your name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on your attitude towards those who serve God in different ways or from different traditions. Are you open and supportive, or do you tend to exclude those who are not part of your group?
- Consider the small acts of service and kindness you can offer in Jesus’ name. How can you be more intentional in serving others and advancing His Kingdom?
- Evaluate how you address sin in your life. Are there areas where you need to make radical changes to live more faithfully and avoid causing others to stumble?
Verse for Meditation:
“Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41, WEBBE)