For Us If Not Against Us

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward (Mark 9:38-41).*

“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. 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. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where “‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched'” (Mark 9:42-48).**

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other” (Mark 9:49-50).***

Comments on what Jesus said:

*In response to the news that others were performing miracles in His name, Jesus cautioned His disciples to leave them alone, because they were not working against Him (Mark 9:38-41).

**On the other hand, those who were working against them (like the Scribes and Pharisees, who had been hounding him with harsh criticism) were in eternal danger. Jesus took their opposition very seriously and predicted their severe punishment (Mark 9:42-48).

***He told his disciples that they would face fierce opposition and suffering (“be salted with fire”), but they would be rewarded for their faithfulness (verse 41). They, therefore, should remain true to their commitment and cooperate peacefully with each other (Mark 9:49-50).