38 John said to him, 'Master, we saw someone who is not one of us driving out devils in your name, and because he was not one of us, we tried to stop him.'39 But Jesus said, 'You must not stop him; no one who works a miracle in my name could soon afterwards speak evil of me.40 Anyone, who is not against us, is for us.41 'If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, then in truth I tell you, he will most certainly not lose his reward.42 'But anyone who is the downfall of one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone hung round his neck.43 And if your hand should be your downfall, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that can never be put out.45 And if your foot should be your downfall, cut it off; it is better for you enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge 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.
THE SERMON
Brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel from Mark 9:38-48 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of God’s kingdom and our role within it. In this passage, we witness a moment of tension among Jesus' followers. John, perhaps feeling protective of their group, expresses concern about someone outside their circle who is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. But Jesus responds with a profound truth: "Anyone who is not against us is for us."
The disciples’ first instinct here was to protect their identity and authority. They thought that only those within their community could be true followers of Christ. Yet Jesus challenges that narrow view. He opens the door to a much broader understanding. The kingdom of God is not limited to a select few; it includes all who work for good in His name.
In our lives, how often do we find ourselves creating divisions? Whether based on denomination, tradition, or even social issues, we can be quick to judge those who do not share our exact beliefs or practices. But Jesus calls us to recognize that anyone who embodies His love and compassion, regardless of their background, is part of His mission. Let us embrace the diversity of God's creation and celebrate our shared commitment to love and service.
Next, Jesus issues a grave warning about causing others to fall. He speaks vividly about the consequences of leading "these little ones" to harm. In our contemporary context, "little ones" can represent not only children but also those who are vulnerable in faith, new believers, the marginalized, the lost. We are reminded that our actions and words hold immense responsibility.
As followers of Christ, we bear the duty to nurture faith rather than diminish it. Are we living in such a way that we build each other up? Are we extending grace to those who are different from us? Or do our judgments and exclusions push others away from the very love of God that we claim to represent?
Jesus then speaks to the severity of sin in our lives, urging us to take radical measures to protect our faith. His words about cutting off hands or gouging out eyes might seem harsh, but they underscore an essential truth: the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. What in our lives leads us away from Him? Is it an unhealthy relationship, a habit, or perhaps a perspective that fosters division instead of unity?
Let us ask ourselves: What might we need to ‘cut off’ in our lives to embrace the fullness of the kingdom? It's about removing the spiritual barriers that keep us away from experiencing the love and grace God desires for us.
Let us commit to being vessels of Christ’s love, embracing those who may not look or believe like us. Let us be intentional in encouraging faith in others, ensuring that our communities reflect the welcoming heart of Jesus. And let us examine our own lives, daring to make the necessary changes that lead us closer to Him.
To end this sermon, what God is teaching us here is that His grace is all-embracing. It is open to all those who decide to change and do good things under His name. May we not be quick to judge against them. Together, may we strive to build a kingdom that reflects His love, a kingdom that welcomes all who seek Him.
Leave a Comment