Wednesday, August 16, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
Mark 9:42–50

“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. If 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. And 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. And 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, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt 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.” (NRSV)

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Reflection
By the time Jesus gives this instruction to his disciples, they know that he is the Son of God. Jesus has told them, though they do not understand, that he will be crucified. Nevertheless, the disciples have been arguing amongst themselves as to who among them is the greatest. On top of that, they complain to Jesus that another, not one of their group, has been casting out demons in Jesus’ name.

Jesus is trying to continue his mission to save all of the human race, and these guys are just not getting it. They are hung up on their own personal status and are not seeing the bigger picture.

So Jesus issues this warning about leading other believers into sin. The disciples doubtless had no thought of leading others into sin, at least intentionally. But Jesus was talking about the example the disciples were setting. By arguing amongst each other about who was superior, they did not exhibit the quality of humility. By seeking to end the work of another who was not part of their group, they were excluding others from ministry. They were not acting in a way that provided an example. They were not at peace with one another as Jesus instructed.

Jesus understood that others might be watching the behavior of the disciples. In the same way today others, both within the church community and outside of it, might well be watching us in an attempt to see Jesus’ message modeled for them. Jesus instructs us to have peace with one another, not seeking to elevate ourselves over others or excluding others as not part of our group. Jesus came for everybody. By accepting all of his people, we can show his love to the world.

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Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for the promise of life through your Son, Jesus. Help me to live out the love of Jesus in the world by accepting all of his people. Amen.

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Written by Juli Crabtree, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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