Scripture: Mark 9:43-47
In this passage from the Gospel of Mark, Jesus uses a very strong and vivid language to emphasize the seriousness and eternal consequences of sin and invites us to reflect in the measures, we must take to avoid it. These measures must be according to the consequences of sin. In Jesus’s times his words challenged his disciples to reflect on their own lives and invited them to consider what they might need to “cut off” to follow Him more faithfully. Today those same words are also challenging us to do the same. To think in the seriousness of sin and to consider what we need to “cut off” to follow Jesus more faithfully.
Mark begins his relate saying that John came to Jesus and complained about a person out of their circle who was driving out demons and he asked him not to do it because he was not one of them. Jesus’s answer was “Do not stop him. For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. Then he says, “anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.” And Mark continues saying, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck, and they were thrown into the sea.”
In other words, if anyone does something good for one of his little ones, Jesus will give him his reward. However, if anyone makes one of his little ones to stumble, they will also get the punishment they deserve.
In verses 43-47, Mark continues with the image of stumbling. In the previous verses Jesus speaks about his little ones receiving a cup of water and those who gave the water receiving his reward. He also speaks about his little ones being stumble by the actions of others and receiving what they deserve. Mark 43-47 is about the danger of self-stumble through our actions. Jesus begins by saying, “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out” (Mark 9:43).
Mark 4:33 reminds us that “Jesus did not speak to them except in parables.” Therefore, in here, he cannot be literally advocating self-mutilation. These vivid statements have the intention to jolt us into awareness of the severe repercussions that those who follow Jesus, face, when they mistreat each other, or make one of his little ones to stumble. This hyperbolic statement intends to underscore the importance of removing anything from our lives that leads us away from God and mistreat our neighbors. This is not a literal call to self-mutilation, but a metaphor for the radical steps we must take to avoid sin.
When Jesus speaks of hell or Gehenna as a place of unquenchable fire. This imagery is meant to remind us of the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin. This is a stark reminder that sin is not a trivial matter but something that can and will separate us from God eternally. The severity of Jesus’ language here is intended to wake us up to the reality of sin’s destructive power.
Jesus mentions the hand, foot, and eye as parts of the body that can lead us into sin. However, he could have easily included more parts of our body that can lead us to stumble like our tongue or ears. The mention of these parts calls for a thorough self-examination. What did Jesus mean when he mentions the hands as part that can make us stumble? I think he meant to say, beware of all your actions. We Christians must live in a way that honors God and reflects our faith. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns about false prophets and teaches that people can be recognized by their actions, much like a tree is known by its fruit. He also speaks about prophets that come wearing sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. In other words, their action does not match who they say they are. If our actions do not match with the faith we profess, we can stumble.
Jesus also mentions the feet. These is a reminder of the places we must go or the places we do not have to go. Psalm 122 says, “I rejoiced with those who said to me let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet must take us to be closer to our creator, to his temple to worship him together with his people. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace who bring good tidings who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” This is another reminder for our feet to be ready to bring the Good News to others. Psalm 1:1 is a reminder of places we must stay away, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” We can use our feet we can get closer to God, to share the good news with others and to keep away from wicked and mockers.
The other body part Jesus mention is the eye. This means be careful with the things we see and what we do with the things that we see. If we see injustice, what do we do? If we see evil, what do we do? Our actions or inaction can make us to stumble. Remember Jesus has no hands, but our hands to do what he wants to do.
Now, let us make ours the words from the Gospel and ask ourselves, in our lives what causes us to stumble? Identifying these areas is the first step toward spiritual growth and holiness. Am I showing Jesus to others with my hands? Are my actions bringing honor and glory to God. Am I reflecting my faith with my actions? Am I the hands of Jesus in this world?
Are my feet getting me closer to my Creator? Are my feet beautiful as those who bring the good news? Remember Jesus has no feet, but our feet to go where he wants to go.
When my eyes see injustice, what do I do with my hands and what do I do with my feet?
Our feet can take us places we dare not go. Our hands can reach where it shouldn’t. Our eyes can gaze with malicious intent. A limb’s amputation may be required to save the whole body; drastic surgery is necessary in emergencies if one hopes “to enter eternal life or “the kingdom of God.”
Mark 9:38-47 challenges us to take sin seriously and be willing to make radical changes in our lives to follow Jesus. It’s a call to examine our hearts, identify the things that lead us away from God, and remove them, no matter the cost. Let us strive to live lives of holiness, fully dedicated to our Lord and Savior.
Jesus’ teaching here aligns with the broader biblical call to holiness. In 1 Peter 1:16, we are reminded, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Holiness involves setting ourselves apart from sin and dedicating our lives to God. It requires intentionality and sometimes painful sacrifices, but the reward is eternal life with God. What is preventing us from getting closer to our Lord? Whatever it is we must remove it from our lives. Amen.