Living in peace and purity, Unity in ministry, Inclusivity in God's Kingdom, Avoiding sin and stumbling blocks, Salt and light in the world, Jesus' teachings on humility, Preserving purity, Fostering peace among believers, Christian unity and diversity, Accountability in faith, Peacemaking in relationships, Encouraging other ministries, Kingdom-minded living
“If Your Hand, Foot, or Eye Causes You to Sin…” — A triptych fresco inspired by Mark 9:43–48, this composition vividly portrays Christ’s radical call to spiritual vigilance. Each panel symbolizes the struggle against sin: the hand restrained by angelic guidance, the foot drawn toward peril yet shadowed by grace, and the eye shrouded in humility beneath divine illumination. Beneath them, a symbolic Gehenna burns—a stark reminder of eternal consequence. Rendered in the style of late Roman and early Byzantine mural art, this scene invites contemplation on the cost of holiness and the mercy of divine intervention.
Living in Peace and Purity
Lessons from Mark 9:38-50
In Mark 9:38-50, Jesus continues teaching His disciples as they journey toward Jerusalem. This passage occurs within the broader context of Jesus preparing His followers for His impending death and resurrection. The disciples, still grappling with their understanding of Jesus' mission, often displayed competitive and exclusionary attitudes. During this time, Jewish society was deeply divided by religious sects, and the disciples' concern about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name reflects this exclusivity. Jesus challenges their mindset, emphasizing unity, humility, and the seriousness of sin.
The passage begins with John reporting to Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name, though not part of their group. Jesus rebukes their exclusivity, teaching that anyone not against them is for them. He then shifts to a warning about causing others to stumble, especially "little ones" who believe in Him. Jesus uses hyperbolic language to stress the importance of cutting off anything that leads to sin, whether it be a hand, foot, or eye. The passage concludes with a call to live as "salted" disciples, preserving peace and purity in their relationships and lives.
Mark 9:40: "For whoever is not against us is for us." This verse highlights Jesus' inclusive approach to ministry, reminding us that God's work extends beyond our immediate circles. It challenges us to celebrate others' contributions to the Kingdom rather than fostering division.
Mark 9:42: "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a large millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea." This verse underscores the gravity of leading others astray, especially those new or vulnerable in faith.
Mark 9:50: "Salt is good, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another." Jesus calls His followers to maintain their distinctiveness as His disciples, living in purity and fostering peace.
This passage challenges us to examine our attitudes toward others in ministry, our personal struggles with sin, and our role in fostering peace. Jesus' rebuke of the disciples' exclusivity reminds us that God's Kingdom is vast and inclusive. His warnings about sin and stumbling blocks call us to take our spiritual lives seriously, recognizing the impact of our actions on others. Finally, the call to be "salt" encourages us to live lives that reflect Christ's purity and peace, influencing the world around us.
Celebrate Unity in Diversity: Embrace and support others who are working for God's Kingdom, even if they do so differently than you. Pray for and encourage ministries outside your immediate circle.
Guard Against Sin: Identify areas in your life that may lead you or others to stumble. Take practical steps to remove these influences, whether through accountability, prayer, or lifestyle changes.
Be a Peacemaker: Actively seek to resolve conflicts and promote harmony in your relationships. Let your words and actions reflect Christ's love and peace.
Are there ways in which I have been exclusive or judgmental toward others serving in God's Kingdom?
What areas of my life might be causing me or others to stumble? How can I address them?
How can I be "salt" in my community, preserving purity and fostering peace?
In what ways can I actively support and encourage unity among believers?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that Your Kingdom is vast and inclusive. Help me to celebrate the work of others and to guard my heart against sin. Teach me to live as salt in this world, preserving purity and fostering peace. May my life reflect Your love and grace, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." —Proverbs 16:7
This week, reach out to someone from a different church or ministry and encourage them in their work for God's Kingdom. Celebrate the diversity of ways God is moving in the world and commit to praying for their success.
