Mark 9:38-50 is about Jesus teaching his disciples the importance of humility, unity, and the seriousness of sin, emphasizing the need to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith and to pursue peace and righteousness at all costs.
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”
39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.
40 For the one who is not against us is for us.
41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
44 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.
46 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,
48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
49 For everyone will be salted with fire.
50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
Setting the Scene for Mark 9:38-50
In Mark chapter 9, we find Jesus and his disciples traveling through Galilee, teaching and ministering to the people. As they journey, they come across a scene where John, one of the disciples, tells Jesus about someone who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name, but was not one of their group. John was concerned about this outsider performing miracles in Jesus’ name without being a part of their close-knit circle.
Surrounded by a crowd of curious onlookers, Jesus responds to John’s report with a lesson on inclusivity and the importance of unity among believers. He explains that anyone who performs a miracle in his name cannot turn around and speak evil of him. Jesus emphasizes the unity of believers, regardless of their specific group or affiliation, as long as they are aligned with the teachings of Christ.
The scene is set against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Galilee, with the sun beginning to set in the distance, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering. The disciples, including Peter, James, John, and the others, are clustered around Jesus, listening intently to his words of wisdom and guidance. As the evening progresses, Jesus continues to impart valuable lessons about faith, humility, and the kingdom of God, leaving a lasting impact on all those present.
What is Mark 9:38-50 about?
Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility in our interactions with others in this verse. He calls on His disciples to be like little children, who are often seen as humble and innocent. Jesus encourages us to approach others with a sense of openness, simplicity, and lack of pride by highlighting the qualities of humility and childlikeness. Being humble means recognizing our own limitations and being willing to learn from and relate to others in a spirit of meekness and respect.
Furthermore, Jesus speaks about the dangers of causing others to stumble, warning that it would be better to have a millstone tied around one’s neck and be thrown into the sea than to lead others astray. This underscores the seriousness of our actions and the impact they can have on those around us. We are called to be mindful of how our words and deeds can influence others, and to strive to live in unity and harmony with one another, rather than being a stumbling block that hinders their spiritual growth. Jesus’s teachings in this verse challenge us to reflect on the way we conduct ourselves in relationships and the responsibility we have to build each other up rather than tear each other down.
Understanding what Mark 9:38-50 really means
In Mark 9:38-50, we find Jesus addressing the disciples’ concerns about others performing miracles in His name. He uses this opportunity to teach about the seriousness of sin and the importance of maintaining purity and peace within the community of believers. One key theme that emerges from this passage is the statement, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” This phrase emphasizes inclusivity and the broadness of Jesus’ mission, encouraging unity among believers and acceptance of those who work in Jesus’ name, even if they are not part of the immediate group. This sentiment is echoed in Luke 9:50, where Jesus makes a similar statement, highlighting the importance of unity in the body of Christ.
Another significant phrase in this passage is when Jesus warns about causing “little ones” to stumble in their faith. This highlights the responsibility of believers to protect and nurture the faith of others, especially the vulnerable. It stresses the importance of being a positive influence and avoiding actions that could lead others astray, as also mentioned in Matthew 18:6. Jesus goes on to use hyperbolic language, saying, “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off,” to underscore the seriousness of sin and the radical self-discipline required to avoid it, as seen in Matthew 5:29-30.
The metaphor of salt losing its saltiness is used by Jesus to symbolize the preserving and purifying influence of believers in the world. This imagery encourages believers to maintain their distinctiveness and effectiveness in their witness and moral integrity, as mentioned in Matthew 5:13. Jesus concludes by urging his followers to “have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other,” combining the call for personal purity with the call for communal harmony, as also emphasized in Romans 12:18.
In today’s world, the themes of inclusivity, unity, responsibility, influence, self-discipline, distinctiveness, and peace remain as relevant as ever. We are called to embrace a broader acceptance of those who work in Jesus’ name, transcending denominational divides and doctrinal differences. Our actions and words hold significant power, especially in shaping the faith of others, highlighting the need for positive influence and mentorship within the Christian community.
The call to radical self-discipline and the removal of anything that leads to sin is crucial in a society filled with distractions and temptations. Believers are challenged to maintain their moral and spiritual integrity while actively promoting peace and reconciliation within their communities. As we reflect on these timeless teachings, may we strive to embody inclusivity, responsibility, self-discipline, distinctiveness, and peace in our lives and interactions with others, fostering a community that reflects the love and grace of Christ.
What actions show humility and service in faith?
Actions that prioritize the well-being and unity of others over personal honor or recognition demonstrate humility and service in faith in the context of Mark 9:38-50. This can be seen in the example of Jesus instructing his disciples to welcome those who may not be directly associated with them but are still doing good works in his name. Jesus emphasizes the importance of serving others without seeking validation or exclusivity by encouraging an attitude of inclusivity and acceptance.
Additionally, Jesus uses strong language to emphasize the seriousness of causing harm or leading others astray. This underscores the need for humility in recognizing one’s influence and the responsibility that comes with it. True service in faith involves not only caring for others but also being mindful of how one’s actions and words can impact those around them. It requires a willingness to set aside personal desires or ambitions in order to uplift and support others in their spiritual journey. The passage highlights the value of a humble and servant-hearted approach to faith, where one’s focus is on acting with love and compassion towards others rather than seeking personal gain or status. Individuals exemplify the selfless and sacrificial love that is central to the teachings of Christ by prioritizing the well-being and unity of the community.
Application
Let’s open our hearts to those who may have different paths but share the same purpose in serving God. Let’s remove obstacles that divide us and work towards unity within the community of believers. How will you show your support for those who may not walk the same road as you, but are still on a journey to glorify God?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.