Communicating the gospel to others can have its hazards. We might not speak about the good news in a way that others can understand. Think here of any kind of theological jargon that is incomprehensible to others. So okay, maybe you feel this isn't a problem for you. But how approachable do you appear to others in terms of talking about your faith? Do others perceive you in a way where it is safe to speak to you? As you talk about your own faith, is there an air of self-righteousness that seems to appear?
In this Sunday's Gospel lesson, Jesus calls upon us to be attentive to what we say or do that might be a stumbling block to others. Here is part of the text taken from our Gospel reading which is Mark 9:38 - 50.
"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." Mark 9:42
This is rather strong language, isn't it? Of course, Jesus didn't mean it literally. It is hyperbole. He does indicate that we need to eliminate whatever might get in the way of presenting the gospel for others to understand.
May God's blessing be upon your meditation of these words and on your worship this Sunday.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
What stumbling blocks might you be putting in the way of others?
What is it that other Christians do that you feel might be a stumbling block to people considering Christianity?
In this Sunday's Gospel lesson, Jesus calls upon us to be attentive to what we say or do that might be a stumbling block to others. Here is part of the text taken from our Gospel reading which is Mark 9:38 - 50.
"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." Mark 9:42
This is rather strong language, isn't it? Of course, Jesus didn't mean it literally. It is hyperbole. He does indicate that we need to eliminate whatever might get in the way of presenting the gospel for others to understand.
May God's blessing be upon your meditation of these words and on your worship this Sunday.
Discipleship Questions for Reflection
What stumbling blocks might you be putting in the way of others?
What is it that other Christians do that you feel might be a stumbling block to people considering Christianity?
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