The Gospel of Mark: Stumbling Blocks

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, 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, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” ~ Mark 9:42-50


This is one of those passages where I question the wisdom of taking scripture literally.

Did Jesus tell us to cut off our hand or foot and tear out our eye?

Hopefully, there aren't many who do take that literally, but even without doing so, it is pretty strong language from Jesus.

There are things in us that cause us to mess up, and things we take part in that cause us to mess up.

Ask any recovering alcoholic who knew the wisdom of cutting alcohol out of their life because keeping it in literally became living in hell.

Or the former gang member who knew that continuing the hang out with his gang members would land him in prison.

Or the congressional aide who learned that the congressperson she served was corrupt and knew it was better to cut ties (and tell the truth) than be swept up into a scandal that could cost her career.

Or a spouse who, despite feeling a pull to reconnect with an old flame, cut ties with that person for the sake of their marriage.

We all have something - someone maybe - that can be a stumbling block to us. And maybe moving that stumbling block out of your way is hard. Maybe it feels impossible.

But somewhere else here in Mark, Jesus told us that with God all things are possible.

And with help. That's what community is for. Even community that isn't face to face.


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Question:


What is a stumbling block for you?

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