Sometimes when reading the gospels, there's so much info, that you could spend days on certain passages, just soaking them in. This is one of those passages.
The first thing we look at is the instance where a man is casting out demons in Jesus name. Now the disciples were upset at this, maybe it was because they thought it was some sort of heresy, or maybe that the casting out of demons should be limited to 'their group'. Maybe they were possessive of the relationship with Jesus. Jesus on the other hand didn't mind, and in fact encouraged it. Listen to his words in vs. 39 "Don't stop him!" Jesus said "No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me." See how Jesus' reference to the person who is making the miracles? Once someone does miracles in Jesus name, he cannot speak evil of him. There is literally power in Jesus name. When someone does good in the name of Jesus, they cannot help but become closer to Christ. I'm wondering if Jesus new this person the disciples were talking about.
Jesus continues saying "Anyone who is not against us is for us" ... and also talks about those people being rewarded for helping out his followers." -- People who bless us with something, will be rewarded.
I think this really points out the importance of community, and our involvement in ministering were we are. We are not only called to carry the gospel of Christ to our community, but when we are blessed by what others do for us, they intern are blessed, even if they don't know it. One of the reasons why we can't separate ourselves from the world in exclusion, because if we do, they will miss out on a blessing.
Interesting eh?
Next in verse 42, Jesus says "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck." I think he's talking about children, don't forget he's got the child in his arms from 9:36. Sometimes I don't think we give enough credit to our Sunday School teachers, and the work they do teaching the gospel to our children. It's a great calling, with a great responsibility. We are all affected by the choices of our childhood, and the environment/community that we were surrounded with. So many adults that have a great influence on how a child is brought up. This verse is a great reminder of how much God cares for children, and how we are to nurture them, and their faith.
Do we have a church environment that encourage the relationship between children and their faith in Christ, or does our church 'suffocate' their growth?
Next we have warnings against sin in our lives in verses 43-48. Basically if any part of us causes us to sin, we need to cut it off, instead of causing us to go into hell. No, don't start cutting off your body parts, but this verse is a reminder of how dangerous sin is in our lives, and how dire the consequences if we let it take control. It is a call for self-examination of our walk with God, and our walk in this world. In verse 49 there are 2 key points, first, everyone will be tested, Secondly we need to have the 'qualities of salt' among ourselves -- which includes living in peace with each other.
Remember that this was directed toward the disciples, but these are truths that we need to take in ourselves.
Are we salt to those around us? What are the qualities of salt? Salt preserves the food, it enhances its taste. These disciples new about salt, especially the fishermen of the group, so this probably meant more to them, than to most of us. It also relates to vs. 38, and how they felt towards the man who healed in Jesus Name ... not a member of their group, but doing His work.
Here is the challenge then through all these verses:
a) Are we giving even a part of our lives to sinful behaviour, or do we give God our all?
b) When we are tested or tempted by sin, do we preserve the truth, or give into the sin?
c) Do we promote the gifts of other believers, or do we want everyone to be like us?
d) Do we seek to live in peace with others, or do we seek to do things our way because we know best?
These are things we need to all wrestle with.
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