Mark 9:38-50

Jesus sets the minimum condition for being a disciple, "For he who is not against us is for us." Our desire to be superior causes us to draw lines in such a way that we are in and others are out. John may have seen his attempted prohibition as a sign of loyalty or of orthodoxy. It may have been a self-justification for the disciples.  Remember that the failure to drive the demon out of the boy was recent. Don't imagine that the memory of that failure is entirely forgotten. Notice John's use of the plural.  That was important, he was a spokesman of a group that wanted to draw a line. Rather than drawing lines perhaps we ought to consider the effect and the results of the ministry we try to put on the other side of the line.

Jesus teaches that even the least and apparent smallest action is important based on what it does in relation to Him. A cup of water is not a big deal until it is given in the name of the Lord. To cause a child a problem may not have seemed like a big deal. But if it damages the relationship that child has with the Lord it is a huge issue. As He says this Jesus may still be holding a little child in His arms. 

So emphatic is Jesus that He teaches that if something will cause a holy man to fall it must be removed; nothing is too close or personal as to be exempt.  It is interesting and a little known truth that Jesus only spoke of hell to his disciples and the religious leaders. He never spoke of hell to sinners.  

Salt and fire were both seen as agents of purification. Everyone will be salted with fire for God’s purposes. So do not waste your time hoping that you can avoid such testing. Dishonest salt merchants sold impure salt.  Nothing could make white sand into salt. The result was useless and it had to be thrown out. Impure Christians are  the same.