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38 “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.” 39 “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, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 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. 42 “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. 43 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. 45 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. 47 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, 48 where “ ‘the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 “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 9:38-50 NIV Bible)
I share again a story that both tickles and teaches. A man, long lost from civilization and found living on a deserted isle, was finally found and the rescuers joyfully fed him and shared safe drinking water. They also were shown by the man where he lived. They noticed three huts, so they asked if that was where he lived? No, said the man, I lived in this hut; very comfortable and I enjoyed it - truly my home. That second hut was where I used to go to church. The men then asked, "What's the third hut?" The man answered, well, I got mad at the first church and so this third hut is my new church!
That story sadly illustrates how it is with believers since the beginning of time. Every religion has had offshoots and branches, and usually beczuse of disagreements. In the Methodist denomination, there are several branches and offshoots and most recently the United Methodist Church split into a Global Methodist Church and several branches including independents and others. The internet says there are about 80, yes, eight-zero branches of Methodism. I dare not ask about Wesleyan... We get a taste of that in this passage. Jesus and His group of !2 and others, numbered eventually up to 125, and the 12, being the core of Jesus' handpicked followers, discovered there was a person who was driving out demons in the name of Jesus. Not knowing what to do they ordered the man to stop, "Because he was not one of us." There it is! We can guess the differences that caused, later add race, culture, nationalities or cirizenships to the mix, and we see the why of all this. Dare I ask why some local churches split over arguments over new carpet or drapes? How about adding screens to the worship space? We can go back to introducting oil lamps over candles, or kerosene over oil, microphones, air conditioning, et al.
This scripture invites us to reflect on our attitudes toward others who share our faith, even if they express it differently. It challenges us to move beyond tribalism and embrace a broader understanding of community in Christ. Are we quick to judge or dismiss those who do not look or think like us? Jesus reminds us that anyone who serves in His name is on our side, part of the same body.
Further, Jesus’ warning about causing others to stumble reminds us of the responsibility we have toward one another. Our actions and attitudes can either encourage or discourage others in their walk with Christ. Are we being salt and light in our communities, or are we allowing division to grow?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the gift of community in Christ. Help us to see beyond our differences and to recognize Your work in the lives of others. Teach us to celebrate the diversity of Your body and to act with grace and love toward those who may not fit our expectations. Strengthen us to be mindful of how our actions impact others, guiding us to be sources of encouragement. In Jesus’ strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: This week, take a moment to reach out to someone from a different church or denomination. Invite them for coffee or a casual conversation. Share your faith journey and listen to theirs. Let’s cultivate unity in Christ, embracing our shared mission to love and serve others.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
