Crumbs 117

 

Crumbs 117 Them Others

Scripture Mark 9:38-50 New International Version 38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48 where

“‘the worms that eat them do not die,    and the fire is not quenched.’

49 Everyone will be salted with fire.

50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Crumbs

The Lord teaches about several groups of people . There are those who claim the name of Christ but do not belong to the group of disciples and there are “these little ones” and there is each other. Using these examples our Lord to goes deeper and gives extra teaching.

Are they one of us? Christians have been so quick to establish “ holier than thou “ clubs. Jesus teaches that the smallest deed for Christ’s sake reaps a reward.

The use of salt as a metaphor has me wanting to go deeper. Salt is used for preservation, stopping decay. And adding flavour. The only salt I know that can lose its saltiness is rock salt. If it is left out in wind and rain the pure salt in it would be leached out and only sand remain. If we are to become those who are adding flavour to life and holding back badness we must face pains that add the saltiness God requires. We need to accept the lessons God teaches us in the challenges He sends and so have salt in ourselves. “Everyone will be salted with fire.”

( verses 42-49) Who are these little ones? Are they the children? Are they disciples young in the faith ? This teaching may well apply to both groups. Jesus is once again underlining the importance of relationships and the grossness of behaviour that hurts the other. I believe this is what is behind this segment of teaching. Jesus sums it up. “be at peace with each other.”

Questions

1. In what modern situations does Jesus ‘ teaching about inclusivity apply ?

2. What basic principle from verse 46 applies to us today ?.

3. How can we have salt among ourselves?