An Exposition of Mark 9:38-50

Jesus continues to define discipleship for his men. He is graciously

showing them that it is impossible to live their lives for the sake of

personal significance and simultaneously follow Him. The paths are

exclusive. 

At this point they have left this life behind to follow Jesus. They are

believers. They counted the cost and gave up business interests, family

comforts, reputation, and their own sin to follow Jesus. And yet they are

still struggling to let go of the remaining self-love.

Jesus is going to train them by showing them the price of their sin. We are

given many incentives in the Christian life. God reminds us of our new

identity in Christ, He uses the testimony of those who have gone before us,

He reminds us of our spiritual privileges, He promises rewards, and then at

times, He motivates us by showing us the price of our sin.

Sin is expensive. Of course, it doesn’t seem that costly up front. Like

sitting down with a trustworthy-looking loan officer who assures you that

you are getting the deal of a lifetime, but doesn’t explain your interest

rate or payment until after the paperwork is signed, the true cost of your

sin isn’t immediately obvious. 

Oftentimes we see it in hindsight. But rather than wait to learn through

hard knocks, Jesus gives the price tag up front this week. Selfishness is

destructive and expensive. It costs you and it costs others.

3 Costs of Un-mortified Ambition

1. The welfare of your siblings (38-42)

2. The destiny of your soul (43-48)

3. The usefulness of your service (49-50)