Mark 9:42 - Causing Others to Sin

Mark 9:42
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.

Message: Causing Others to Sin

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying: 

Preface - As they continue in Capernaum, John the Apostle mentions to Jesus that someone is casting out a demon in Jesus' name and yet that person is not part of their group. Jesus calls out and says that being part of their group is not what sets people apart as followers of Him or being for him or not followers or not for Him - but instead the issue is are they doing things in Jesus' name. Are they acting in God's name? Thus, we need to look at the fruit, the people group they are in.

This verse continues to emphasize the way we relate to one another. I'm reminded of Jesus and the two commands he gave to us - Love God and Love One Another. Both of these are related on engaging on others, outside of ourselves. Previously, it has been stated by Jesus that we need to be considerate of those of a lower social class and not show favoritism just to the popular or the highly respected. And we also need to be focused not on which group a person is a part of, but instead how they follow Jesus. For Jesus will reward those that treat others well.

And now here are words more specifically about how we might lead others to sin. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. Immediately, I'm reminded of these verses from Paul. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Philippians 2:3) and Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger (Ephesians 6:4). It amazes me how the words we see from Paul often are not anything different, but often just more clearly define the words from Jesus. 

But, back to this verse from Mark. Jesus basically says that if we cause someone to stumble, then impending death would be a better outcome for us. These are strong words by Jesus. Am I encouraging growth in others or rather impeding their growth? Deception is a powerful force in our world today. People are being swayed away from real truth by elders and teachers that influence people in the wrong direction. That is a scary thing that is happening today. 

Summary - As they continue in Capernaum, Jesus emphasizes to his disciples another key word about the importance of how we treat others - having already mentioned people's social status, looking at their fruit not their grouping, and the rewards that will come from this - and now he emphasizes that in no way are we to cause another person to stumble. For doing this would result in a horrific path of death.   

Promise: From Tabletalk - The children of God are immeasurably loved by Him, and He will not take kindly to any who lead them astray or cause them to sin.

Prayer: Lord, help me to others be sensitive to others and never to take any one for granted.