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
As a former English teacher, I love literary devices such as personification, metaphors and similes. These devices can communicate beautiful images and connections to familiar items to help us better understand a point being made. The Bible is full of literary devices. Jesus often uses them in his teaching. However, sometimes these devices become stumbling blocks to our understanding of Jesus' point.
The bulk of this week's gospel reading is a fine example. Jesus uses common agricultural images—losing a hand, a foot or an eye—to help people understand what is at stake if people do not believe in him. These images worked well in Jesus' time and for portions of our world today. Yet, we may wonder how Jesus' examples might be updated to best connect with our neighbors, for them to know and understand Jesus' teachings. How can we clearly communicate the life-giving power of Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, who made the Word into flesh, your words and promises stand the test of time. As we continue to preach, teach and witness, may we find the words and examples to best connect with your followers, just as Jesus did so long ago. Amen.