Mark 9:42-50

“And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.” vss. 47-48

Occasionally in the gospel of Mark we find sayings of Jesus that seem to have no context and that have proven to be exceptionally difficult to understand. These series of verses advising the cutting off of limbs and the tearing out of eyes are in that category. We know that Jesus cannot be speaking literally, and he certainly isn’t advocating self-mutilation, though some readers have sadly done exactly that. Though we can’t know for sure, the words would seem to be a particularly vivid warning that sometimes disciples will need to make significant sacrifices, including some that could include painful decisions. We’ve seen that happen in the lives of others, and maybe even in our own. There could be times when the Spirit leads believers out of relationships, or maybe out of jobs they love. Walking in the way of truth and love will frequently involve making tough choices–and sometimes addictive habits will have to be left behind. Jesus isn’t saying we’ll be sent to hell if we don’t change–but the metaphor he used certainly works to get our attention. This is important stuff, and sometimes there are dire consequences for our stubborn refusal to stop walking away from the way of righteousness.

Thought for the Day: What has been my most painful decision?