The Call to Discipleship: A Journey Into Mark 9:30-50

As I poured over the pages of my Bible this week I saw beauty in the Gospel of Mark, Mark 9:30-50. It's a rich, dense section of Scripture, one that weaves a beautiful tapestry of what it truly means to follow Jesus. As we explore this passage together, I invite you to join me on a journey through the complexities and profound truths of discipleship.

Mark 9:30–50 (ESV): 30 “They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know, 31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him.33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40 For the one who is not against us is for us. 41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.42 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

First, we encounter Jesus predicting His own suffering, death, and resurrection. This is no ordinary prediction, but a raw and intimate revelation of His mission - a mission marked by unimaginable sacrifice. The love of Jesus, so profoundly demonstrated in His willingness to embrace the cross, should shake us to our core. I bring this up constantly and I truly believe that we should never get over it. The Gospel is shallow enough that a child can wade it its waters yet deep enough that scholars (and Pastors!) will never plumb its depths. Incredible. It should drive us to a deeper appreciation of His sacrificial love, and motivate us to align our own lives with His mission.

From here, the journey takes us to the heart of servanthood. In a world that often equates greatness with power and status, Jesus' words strike a jarring note.  “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” ." (Mark 9:35). As followers of Christ, we're called to invert the world's expectations, to find joy not in being served, but in serving others. How can we embody this servant-hearted love in our own lives? How can our hands and feet move in rhythm with the heart of Jesus?  By seeing Jesus serving us, and letting that overflowing well fill us and send us out.

Next, we're drawn into a broader vision of God's kingdom. Jesus recognizes the work of a man casting out demons in His name, a man not among His immediate disciples. This inclusive vision challenges us to see God's work in places and people we might not expect. We're reminded that the love of Jesus reaches beyond our church walls, that His grace isn't confined to our familiar circles. This was shocking to the Jewish people, and it is still just as shocking. We tend to think in terms of tribalism. My people vs your people. Jesus comes and tears down the dividing walls of hostility and makes us one.

Finally, we're confronted with the serious nature of sin. Jesus doesn't mince words when it comes to the destructive power of sin, urging us to take drastic measures to avoid it. His stark imagery forces us to examine our hearts, to confront and address areas of sin that we may have ignored or dismissed.

Each teaching, each thread in this passage, ultimately points us to one person: Jesus Christ. He is the Suffering Servant, the Humble King, the Inclusive Savior, and the Righteous Judge. His life, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection are the embodiment of these lessons. It is only through His grace that we can embark on this journey of discipleship, embracing His mission, serving others, recognizing His work in all places, and repenting of our sin.

As we dive into the depths of Mark 9:30-50, let's remember the Gospel at its core - Jesus Christ, who loved us enough to die for us, who served us with utmost humility, who includes us in His kingdom, and who offers forgiveness for our sins. This is the heart of discipleship. This is our call. This is our journey.

Join me, then, as we seek to live out these truths in our daily lives, grounded in the Gospel and guided by His Spirit. For His is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.