Essential Discipleship Lessons, Part 2 | Mark 9:42–48

The disciples are in a spiritually dangerous spot.  They were arguing with one another which was the greatest (vv. 33–34), and when they encountered an outsider working in the name of Christ, they tried to shut him down (v. 38)!  They’ve become arrogant, so Jesus teaches essential discipleship principles that He continues here.

Christ’s disciples must avoid creating stumbling blocks for others (v. 42).  To “stumble” means to entice someone to sin, to somehow lead those “who believe” away from God.  It’s been posited that we should protect children in this way—attach a rapist to a large stone and toss him off a ship.  However, Jesus calls us to this kind of personal zeal against our personal sins; we should rather be drowned than cause another believer spiritual harm.

Christ’s disciples avoid creating stumbling blocks for themselves (vv. 43–48).  Considering v. 42, it’s necessary for disciples to examine themselves.  We must take steps to avoid creating occasions for stumbling.

We desiring life must mortify the flesh.  To “mortify” means to put to death, which Jesus describes vividly!  Of course, He’s not telling us to literally cut off body parts—He said back in 7:20–23 that our hearts are the real troublemakers.  We need to avoid touching, looking at, or going to that which is sinful.  As the second half of Romans 8:13 says, if “by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

We who don’t mortify the flesh receive damnation. The first half of Romans 8:13 says, “if you are living according to the flesh, you must die”—those who ultimately don’t trust in Christ.  Thus, He warns of Hell, describing its “unquenchable fire” (v. 43) and quoting Isaiah 66:24 to graphically describe its terrifying reality.  Just as life in Christ is eternal, so is the conscious torment of damnation.


We’re not saved by what we do (Eph 2:8–9), but our actions indicate the reality of our salvation.   Trust in His gospel for salvation.  Ask Him for help in avoiding being a stumbling block to others.

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