Mark 9:38-50 (NRSV)
Read Mark 9:38-50 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38John 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." Verse 39But 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. Verse 40Whoever is not against us is for us. Verse 41For 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.
Verse 42"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. Verse 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. Verse 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. Verse 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, Verse 48where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
Verse 49"For everyone will be salted with fire. Verse 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."
Devotion
“We don’t do it that way!” Have you ever heard those words in a church community? John’s question to Jesus in this week’s gospel reading sounds hauntingly similar to the conversation Moses had with Joshua about Edad and Medad in the Numbers 11:28 scripture reading from Monday. John and Joshua express their concern that the Lord’s work of exorcism and prophecy was not being done properly or by the right people.
Sometimes in our communities we lose opportunities to include people who differ from us because we are too set in our ways, or we miss opportunities for mission. Expect the unexpected in different places and different ways. God is at work in today’s church, but it may not be what we are used to, But who are we to place limits on the character or reach of God’s mission?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to remember that if we are too set in our ways, there may not be an opportunity for more spiritual growth. Help us to see that outsiders can become part of our community. Amen.
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