Protected Responses

Mark 9: ⁴² “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— ⁴⁴ where

‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’

⁴⁵ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched— ⁴⁶ where

‘Their worm does not die,
And the fire is not quenched.’

⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire— ⁴⁸ where

‘Their worm does not die
And the fire is not quenched.’

============

As a sign of bravery and strength I was instructed to punch the cement wall harder than the guy next to me. Judging was totally subjective as far as who “won.” Being the frail guy I was I punched the wall with a soft touch. “I’m not breaking my hand!” I said to myself.

• Many times I preserved myself.
• Many times I protected myself from harm.
• Many times I made sure I was safe.

JESUS shocks the disciples with a strict message of warning. HE warns them against causing others to fall into sin. The warning is extreme saying it would be better to maim yourself than to cause someone to sin because of lack of control.

• GOD wants me to control myself enough to keep others from falling into my sin.
• GOD wants me to refrain from hurting people and turn to helping them instead.
• GOD wants me to put a leash on my carnal urges long enough to encourage and grow people.

JESUS knew I would try to protect myself when HE said these statements. HE wanted to get down to the core of my wretched, rotten sin by saying it would be better to lose a hand or a foot or an eye than to drag others into my sinful world. But what does HE want me to do? HE wants me to pray for others, encouraging them to follow HIM.

• Are you trying to drag people into your sin?
• Can you stop for a moment and figure out a way to encourage that person?
• Will you turn from your sin today so you can help others do the same?