SUMMARY:This message explores the themes of faith, humility, and community as illustrated in the Gospel of Mark. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the good in others, supporting one another in ministry, and being mindful of our actions as they can impact others' faith. Deacon Eric Black encourages self-reflection and the need to maintain our 'saltiness' as representatives of Christ in the world.

Mark 9:38-50

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Another Exorcist

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name,[a] and we tried to stop him because he was not following us.” 39 But 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. 40 Whoever is not against us is for us. 41 For 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.

Temptations to Sin

42 “If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me[b] to sin,[c] it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin,[d] cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell,[e] to the unquenchable fire.[f] 45 And if your foot causes you to sin,[g] cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell.[h][i] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin,[j] 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,[k] 48 where their worm never dies and the fire is never quenched.

49 “For everyone will be salted with fire.[l] 50 Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it?[m] Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Footnotes

* 9.38 Other ancient authorities add who does not follow us

* 9.42 Other ancient authorities lack in me

* 9.42 Or stumble

* 9.43 Or stumble

* 9.43 Gk Gehenna

* 9.43 Other ancient authorities add 9.44 and 9.46, which are identical to 9.48

* 9.45 Or stumble

* 9.45 Gk Gehenna

* 9.45 Other ancient authorities add 9.44 and 9.46, which are identical to 9.48

* 9.47 Or stumble

* 9.47 Gk Gehenna

* 9.49 Other ancient authorities add or substitute and every sacrifice will be salted with salt

* 9.50 Or how can you restore its saltiness?

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