Mark 9:38-50
Jesus’ teaching and action in this text are directed to the church whenever it is seduced by the world’s definition of greatness: prestige, power, influence, and money. The antidote to such a concern for greatness is servanthood.
<sup>38</sup>John said to [Jesus,] “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” <sup>39</sup>But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. <sup>40</sup>Whoever is not against us is for us. <sup>41</sup>For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. <sup>42</sup>“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung
around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you
to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45And if your foot causes you
to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47And if
your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have
two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched. 49“For everyone will
be salted with fire. 50Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be
at peace with one another.”
Leave a Reply