38 Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. 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.’
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Devotional
Jesus’ having made exceedingly significant even the most seemingly insignificant of believers by saying: “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 And thus having made reception of His Person the condition by which one receives God’s Person. Here commands us not to be contentious towards those who do not follow the Lord in one’s own sphere. For John and the other Apostles saw someone casting out demons in Christ’s Name, yet they forbade them because they did not follow Christ with them. Therefore Jesus in response to John’s declaration of having done, so says …“Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 39-41
Therefore Jesus commands us all, as His followers, not to forbid those who do not follow Him directly with us. For no one who works a miracle in Christ’s Name (we might also understand this as the works of God, as Jesus said of Himself, see John 10:37-38) can soon afterward speak evil of Him. As Jesus said “For he who is not against us is on our side.” Vs. 40 Jesus goes on to say “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 41 Which in some ways is a follow up to receiving children in Jesus Christ’s Name, and shows that such a person is not hostile towards the Lord or His purposes. Therefore Jesus says when someone receives even just a child in His Name, they receive Him; and when someone gives a disciple just a cup of cold water to drink in Christ’s Name, because we belong to Him, they will by no means lose their reward. Jesus then is telling us to put away our biases and preconceived notions about who His followers are, even who will receive us as His followers. For the Body of Christ is far greater and more diversified than just your church or your personal ministry, it is far greater and more diverse than your immediate Christian friends and acquaintances whom you grew up with, or now cherish. For the Body of Christ’s purposes are far greater and exceedingly more important than just a social cause or political party; a preferred Bible translation, worship style, seminary, Bible college, or even denomination.
The Body of Christ in all of its diversity and activity is a living and dynamic organism both here on earth, and in heaven by which Jesus binds together and builds up all believers by His Spirit with a goal of transforming us into His likeness, making us fit for the Kingdom of heaven, but also making His Person known, obeyed and praised here and now. For as we are dependent on the Holy Spirit for our change, witness and empowerment with His fruits and the gifts of God in us to live out Jesus Christ’s life within us, so we are intertwined with each other making each and every member vital for the functioning well of the whole Body (1 Cor. 12:18-31). For the fullness of the life (the new and abundant life) and love of Jesus Christ cannot be fully expressed, nor experienced apart from Him and those who are His, in the context of His Body, of whom He is the head of all. Therefore I urge you all to be at peace with everyone who truly serves Jesus Christ our Lord and King and His Kingdom purposes. Whether directly in church related ministry or indirectly out in the world in whatever capacities they do. For we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ all serve Him; though we do so often outside of each other’s spheres of influence, or realms of service, as the Holy Spirit teaches: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Cor. 12:4-6 Therefore serve the Lord Jesus Christ heartily in whatever station God has placed you in without disqualifying others who do not serve Him there with you.
Now in this there must be Holy Spirit discernment. Since there are, and will be false brethren who will operate under the banner of Jesus Christ, but who do not serve the King or the Kingdom of heaven. The many passages in the N.T. warning of them and the false doctrine forwarded by them are not to be disregarded when one seeks to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Consider Matt. 7:15-23; Acts 20:17-38; 1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 12-21; Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11; 17; 21-31; 5:7-15; Phil. 3:1-3, 18-21; Col. 2:8-10; 20-22; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 6:3-10; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-22, 3:1-13; Jude; 1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-6; 2 John 9-11 etc.), for it is only those who are born of the Spirit of God and thus have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives who belong to Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9). And thus seek to have their lives conforming to the gospel and doctrine of Christ. Not sinless perfection, but always moving forwards in faith as Jesus takes both our successes and failures and conforms us to His Person.
Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ having commanded us all not to be contentious towards anyone who likewise follows Him wherever they follow and serve Him; and having assured us all of His rewarding everyone who aids us in His work now warns of causing offenses. “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.’ Vs. 42-44
The word Jesus uses here, that is translated stumble, is a word which warns of causing believers to stumble in their faith walk. Whether through ones sin or inducements to it (see parallel passages Matt. 18:6-9; Luke 17:1-5), thus turning the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 3). And or justifying ones sin by whatever means one would do that and thus leading many astray by it. This is especially important in the Pastoral role for what a pastor approves of or condemns will have a huge impact on what his people accept and believe is acceptable behavior. That is why the Apostle Paul in no uncertain terms said that those who are sinning (that is within church leadership) are to be rebuked openly so that the rest of the congregation may fear (1 Tim. 5:20). Now that is fairly obvious. But what may not be so is that the word used that is translated stumble also means according to Enhanced Strong’s: 1b3) “to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another.”
Therefore Jesus' warning not only entails what we do but what we say of others and how this affects people's opinions of that person. For if someone in leadership causes others to judge unfavorably another person (for whatever reasons they would justify doing such evil) the ripple effects will be far reaching. That's likely why God judges gossip and worse slander so readily (Ex. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3, 50:20-21, 101:5; Prov. 6:19; 8:18; 10:18, 11:9, 11:13, 16:28; 17:4, 9, 26:20, 26:22; Matt. 5:22, 12:35-37, 18:15-17, Rom. 1:29-30; 1 Thess. 5:11; Titus 2:3, 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:15), because it forwards all kinds of evil towards people in the human heart and inevitably this comes out in their attitudes and actions as well. Therefore speak evil of no one; rather be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men (Titus 3:2). For Jesus in His warning against sin is stating His guardianship of His most vulnerable followers, here children yes, but also all believers who themselves maybe in the eyes of others “insignificant” and or easily exploited or discredited. New born believers, or sadly what some would describe as socially insignificant people, whether in the church or in the world. Those then who think to take advantage of God’s children, or cause one of them to stumble into sin, or to lose faith, or to fall away from the faith, or to be judged unjustly, put themselves in a very perilous place as Jesus warns us all here.
Therefore instead of trying to justify your sin repent of it! For the Lord Jesus warns if your hand, foot or eye causes you to sin (vs. 43-38) cut it off! In other words no sacrifice is too great if it will keep you from your sin and or temptations towards it. For it is better to enter into life maimed, crippled, or blind rather than having two hands, two feet or two eyes “…and 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.’ Vs. 43-44
Therefore Jesus' warning serves a strong backdrop for keeping a clear moral and ethical conscience for all believers. Yet it is not a warning that closes the door on reconcilation of sinners; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Or of someone who has fallen into sin (Gal. 6:1-2); “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecc. 7:20 It is that someone continues on in their sin, unrepentant and unmoved out of it. That is what Jesus in the strongest of terms is warning against here. Therefore rather than justifying your sin do whatever it takes to repent of it. “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” vs. 49-50
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted
Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, Strong, James.
‘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.’
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”
Devotional
Jesus’ having made exceedingly significant even the most seemingly insignificant of believers by saying: “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Vs. 37 And thus having made reception of His Person the condition by which one receives God’s Person. Here commands us not to be contentious towards those who do not follow the Lord in one’s own sphere. For John and the other Apostles saw someone casting out demons in Christ’s Name, yet they forbade them because they did not follow Christ with them. Therefore Jesus in response to John’s declaration of having done, so says …“Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40 “For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 39-41
Therefore Jesus commands us all, as His followers, not to forbid those who do not follow Him directly with us. For no one who works a miracle in Christ’s Name (we might also understand this as the works of God, as Jesus said of Himself, see John 10:37-38) can soon afterward speak evil of Him. As Jesus said “For he who is not against us is on our side.” Vs. 40 Jesus goes on to say “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” Vs. 41 Which in some ways is a follow up to receiving children in Jesus Christ’s Name, and shows that such a person is not hostile towards the Lord or His purposes. Therefore Jesus says when someone receives even just a child in His Name, they receive Him; and when someone gives a disciple just a cup of cold water to drink in Christ’s Name, because we belong to Him, they will by no means lose their reward. Jesus then is telling us to put away our biases and preconceived notions about who His followers are, even who will receive us as His followers. For the Body of Christ is far greater and more diversified than just your church or your personal ministry, it is far greater and more diverse than your immediate Christian friends and acquaintances whom you grew up with, or now cherish. For the Body of Christ’s purposes are far greater and exceedingly more important than just a social cause or political party; a preferred Bible translation, worship style, seminary, Bible college, or even denomination.
The Body of Christ in all of its diversity and activity is a living and dynamic organism both here on earth, and in heaven by which Jesus binds together and builds up all believers by His Spirit with a goal of transforming us into His likeness, making us fit for the Kingdom of heaven, but also making His Person known, obeyed and praised here and now. For as we are dependent on the Holy Spirit for our change, witness and empowerment with His fruits and the gifts of God in us to live out Jesus Christ’s life within us, so we are intertwined with each other making each and every member vital for the functioning well of the whole Body (1 Cor. 12:18-31). For the fullness of the life (the new and abundant life) and love of Jesus Christ cannot be fully expressed, nor experienced apart from Him and those who are His, in the context of His Body, of whom He is the head of all. Therefore I urge you all to be at peace with everyone who truly serves Jesus Christ our Lord and King and His Kingdom purposes. Whether directly in church related ministry or indirectly out in the world in whatever capacities they do. For we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ all serve Him; though we do so often outside of each other’s spheres of influence, or realms of service, as the Holy Spirit teaches: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Cor. 12:4-6 Therefore serve the Lord Jesus Christ heartily in whatever station God has placed you in without disqualifying others who do not serve Him there with you.
Now in this there must be Holy Spirit discernment. Since there are, and will be false brethren who will operate under the banner of Jesus Christ, but who do not serve the King or the Kingdom of heaven. The many passages in the N.T. warning of them and the false doctrine forwarded by them are not to be disregarded when one seeks to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Consider Matt. 7:15-23; Acts 20:17-38; 1 Cor. 11:19; 2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 12-21; Gal. 1:6-9; 4:9-11; 17; 21-31; 5:7-15; Phil. 3:1-3, 18-21; Col. 2:8-10; 20-22; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 6:3-10; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-22, 3:1-13; Jude; 1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-6; 2 John 9-11 etc.), for it is only those who are born of the Spirit of God and thus have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives who belong to Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:9). And thus seek to have their lives conforming to the gospel and doctrine of Christ. Not sinless perfection, but always moving forwards in faith as Jesus takes both our successes and failures and conforms us to His Person.
Therefore the Lord Jesus Christ having commanded us all not to be contentious towards anyone who likewise follows Him wherever they follow and serve Him; and having assured us all of His rewarding everyone who aids us in His work now warns of causing offenses. “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.’ Vs. 42-44
The word Jesus uses here, that is translated stumble, is a word which warns of causing believers to stumble in their faith walk. Whether through ones sin or inducements to it (see parallel passages Matt. 18:6-9; Luke 17:1-5), thus turning the grace of God into lewdness (Jude 3). And or justifying ones sin by whatever means one would do that and thus leading many astray by it. This is especially important in the Pastoral role for what a pastor approves of or condemns will have a huge impact on what his people accept and believe is acceptable behavior. That is why the Apostle Paul in no uncertain terms said that those who are sinning (that is within church leadership) are to be rebuked openly so that the rest of the congregation may fear (1 Tim. 5:20). Now that is fairly obvious. But what may not be so is that the word used that is translated stumble also means according to Enhanced Strong’s: 1b3) “to cause one to judge unfavourably or unjustly of another.”
Therefore Jesus' warning not only entails what we do but what we say of others and how this affects people's opinions of that person. For if someone in leadership causes others to judge unfavorably another person (for whatever reasons they would justify doing such evil) the ripple effects will be far reaching. That's likely why God judges gossip and worse slander so readily (Ex. 23:1; Lev. 19:16; Ps. 15:3, 50:20-21, 101:5; Prov. 6:19; 8:18; 10:18, 11:9, 11:13, 16:28; 17:4, 9, 26:20, 26:22; Matt. 5:22, 12:35-37, 18:15-17, Rom. 1:29-30; 1 Thess. 5:11; Titus 2:3, 1 Peter 2:1-3; 4:15), because it forwards all kinds of evil towards people in the human heart and inevitably this comes out in their attitudes and actions as well. Therefore speak evil of no one; rather be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men (Titus 3:2). For Jesus in His warning against sin is stating His guardianship of His most vulnerable followers, here children yes, but also all believers who themselves maybe in the eyes of others “insignificant” and or easily exploited or discredited. New born believers, or sadly what some would describe as socially insignificant people, whether in the church or in the world. Those then who think to take advantage of God’s children, or cause one of them to stumble into sin, or to lose faith, or to fall away from the faith, or to be judged unjustly, put themselves in a very perilous place as Jesus warns us all here.
Therefore instead of trying to justify your sin repent of it! For the Lord Jesus warns if your hand, foot or eye causes you to sin (vs. 43-38) cut it off! In other words no sacrifice is too great if it will keep you from your sin and or temptations towards it. For it is better to enter into life maimed, crippled, or blind rather than having two hands, two feet or two eyes “…and 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.’ Vs. 43-44
Therefore Jesus' warning serves a strong backdrop for keeping a clear moral and ethical conscience for all believers. Yet it is not a warning that closes the door on reconcilation of sinners; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom. 3:23 Or of someone who has fallen into sin (Gal. 6:1-2); “For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.” Ecc. 7:20 It is that someone continues on in their sin, unrepentant and unmoved out of it. That is what Jesus in the strongest of terms is warning against here. Therefore rather than justifying your sin do whatever it takes to repent of it. “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. 50 “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” vs. 49-50
Scripture Quotations
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
Additional Resources Consulted
Enhanced Strong's Lexicon, Strong, James.
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