Today you should read: Mark 9:30-50
Today as you read this passage, consider the sequence of events. Most Bibles will break this down with headings. It starts with Jesus foretelling His death burial and resurrection. Then He talks about who the Greatest is by referencing their expectations of a Messiah. Then, verses 38-41 speak of anyone not against us is for us, and lastly verses 42-50 are about temptation to sin.
In looking at this sequence it is interesting how Jesus makes clear who He is and who God is and the importance of that, in order to end with the temptation to sin. At first glance this seems like it is a little out of place. But when you look closer it becomes much more clear. We must first understand the greatness of God and what he has done in order to really see and understand the implication of sin. This is exactly what we see in this passage.
So when verse 42 says it would be better to have a great millstone hung around your neck and thrown into the sea than to cause someone to sin we can really see why it is such intense language. The result of sin is the brutal death of Jesus. It is not something insignificant. This is why continuing on it says it is better to lose a foot or a hand or an eye. Sin is not something small that can be justified in our mind. Sin is what fractured our universe. It is what separates us from God.
So the question comes to mind, what is our view of sin? Is it something overlooked and justified? Or do you see it as the thing that put Jesus on the cross? Every time we chose sin we become the reason that Jesus suffered. Today would you confess sin and turn your heart to Jesus and move forward with a different perspective of sin?
By: Dakota Gragg — Student Ministry Associate
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