Throughout Mark Chapter 9, we see the disciples creating obstacles to the gospel for others. They argue with religious leaders, fight with each other about who will be first in the kingdom, and try to condemn a man who was trying to set an oppressed person free because he wasn’t “one of them.”
In other words, today’s verse isn’t only for outsiders, but to those closest to Christ as well—and that includes us. In her commentary on Mark 9, professor Amy G. Oden writes: “Sometimes, even our best intentions to reprove others can have unintended consequences for innocent bystanders. Indeed, great damage is done to the gospel when Christians are preoccupied with infighting and self-righteous proclamations about others. Jesus returns the focus to our behaviors, the ways we speak and live good news, and the ways we place obstacles in the way of that good news.”
Jesus’ warning in today’s verse is stern because those who look to us and follow our example can be hurt when we don’t embody the faith we claim. Let’s be careful not to cause anyone—young or old—to stumble by our carelessness, but let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to a watching world.
Pray: Father, help me see the areas in my life where I may have caused someone else to stumble in their faith and forgive me for getting in the way of the good news You offer them. Please help me repent and lead others to the life-giving, thirst-quenching hope of the gospel by my example. Amen.
~From Rob Nieminen in The Study Of Mark Devotional, Part 5 on YouVersion
Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!
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