Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:43-48 – The Offending Hand, Foot, or Eye

Mark 9:43-48 – The Offending Hand, Foot, or Eye

|| Matthew 18:6-9;[1] Luke 17:1, 2

MK9:43 “So if your hand causes you to stumble,[2] cut it off![3] It is better for you to enter into the Life maimed,[4] than having two hands to go off into Gehenna,[5] into that inextinguishable fire.[6] [[MK9:44]][7] MK9:45 Also, if your foot[8] makes you stumble, cut it off! It is better to enter crippled into the Life, than having two feet to be cast into Gehenna, [[into that inextinguishable fire]].[9] [[MK9:46]][10] MK9:47 Also, if your eye[11] stumbles you, pluck it out! It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of the God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into Gehenna – MK9:48 where their maggots never ends and the fire is never extinguished.[12]

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[1] Matthew 18:6-9: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Hand causes you to stumble: It is the hand that reaches out to touch something it should not, or grasps something it should not. Compare the warning of “touch” in Genesis 3:1-5. The context is about stumbling others, and thus in the process, stumbling oneself. What is it a Christian could do with their hands that could lead to stumbling other ‘little ones’?

[3] Cut it off: Jesus’ analogy is an absurdum not to be taken literally. If what Jesus goes on to say is taken literally then we would expect to see many Christians walking about with one hand, one eye, or one foot.

[4] Enter into the Life maimed: Still part of the absurd hyperbole.

[5] Gehenna: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew where Gehenna is explained. Simply Gehenna was the city dump of Jerusalem where the dead bodies of criminals thought unworthy of either burial or resurrection were thrown. Fire and smoke occurred their continually and maggots devoured garbage constantly.

[6] Inextinguishable fire: Gehenna’s fire became a symbol of Second Death, or everlasting extinction. Se notes on Revelation 20:13, 14. For more details on hell-fire, Hades, or Gehenna see the book Where Are the Dead?

[7] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

[8] Foot: The foot takes one to the place or thing one wants to go. The analogy is used often in the Psalms and Proverbs of conduct leading to harm or evil.

[9] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

[10] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

[11] Eye: It is the eye that covets or desires what it regularly sees. Compare notes on James 1:14, 15.

[12] Where their maggots never ends and the fire is never extinguished: Jesus borrows the language of Isaiah 66:24. Similar language is used of the destruction of Edom. [Isaiah 34:9, 10]

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Preceding

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:9-13 – Elijah Has Come

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:14-24 – Help Me Where I Need Faith

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:25-29 – Why Could We Not Expel It?

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:30-32 – Foretells Resurrection

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:33-37 – Who is Greater?

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:38-42 – Those Not Against Us Are For Us

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 5:27-30 – 2. The Nazarene’s Commentary on Exodus 20:14

Matthew 13:36-43 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Zizania in the Field Explained

Matthew 13:47-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Dragnet

Matthew 18:1-6 Reborn and pliable as a child

Matthew 18:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Children and Stumbling

Matthew 18:7-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Danger of Stumbling-blocks

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #4 Matthew 25:41-46

 

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Additional reading

1. Attitude of a Christian
2. Way of Life
3. Death & Dead
4. Soul, Spirit, and Death
5. Dead and after
6. Hell – Sheol or the Grave
7. Sheol or the Grave
8. Sheol, Sheool, Sjeool, Hades, Hell, Grave, Tomb, Sepulchre
9. Hell fire
10. Words Have Meaning: Devil, Diábolos, Slanderers, and False Accusers
11. Devil, Satan, Demons, Evil Spirits and Hell
12. Satan or the Devil
13. The Dead — Where Are They? 5 Sheol, Hades, Hell, Gehenna
14. Mortal Soul and Mortal Psyche #4 Psyche, According to the Holy Scriptures
15. Departed Souls Await Judgment
16. Is Hell-fire something to fear
17. I Can’t Believe That (1) … God would send anyone to hell
18. Today’s thought “The one who conquers will …” (July 1)
19. Looking forward for what is to come
20. Memorizing wonderfully 73: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Sleepers with hope
21. To will being present in us but to do it not always evident

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Related

1. Blunt Words from Jesus
2. Tribal Counsels
3. Sermon for 9/30/18 Mark 9:38-50
4. The Case of Wandering Eyes
5. Cut
6. Missing My Left Hand
7. Just Cut It Out
8. Cut It Off!
9. Cutting and Plucking
10. Apologetics & Hell
11. Hell is Endless
12. Eternal Life Verses Eternal Judgement

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:38-42 – Those Not Against Us Are For Us

Mark 9:38-42 – Those Not Against Us Are For Us

|| Luke 9:49, 50

MK9:38 Now, [the apostle] John said to Jesus: “Lord, we saw a man[1] exorcising demons in your name, and we forbid him because he does not follow us.” MK9:39 But, Jesus said: “Do not forbid him![2] For there is no person who will do a miracle in my name that will easily speak evil of me.[3] MK9:40 Because the person who is not against us is for us. MK9:41 Whoever will give you even a cup of water to drink in my name – and because you are Christ’s – I tell you this truth: such a person will not lose the reward.[4] MK9:42 On the other hand, whoever stumbles one of these ‘little ones’ that believe in me,[5] it would be better for them to have a millstone hung around the neck and then be thrown into the sea![6]

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[1] We saw a man: Likely an itinerant Jewish exorcist who had begun using the name of Jesus. However, the man was not known to be an actual disciple of Jesus, or at least not manifesting himself as a member of the Nazarene’s personal followers. When the apostles see this man using the name of Jesus they want the person to join their following and so try to prevent him from using Christ’s name.

[2] Do not forbid him: Or, prevent, do not stop, do not try to stop.

[3] A miracle in my name that will easily speak evil of me: It is human nature to want to think that one belongs to an inclusive club or group which is superior to all others. Those not part of this select group are viewed judgmentally. Jesus cautions his apostles – already struggling with attitudes of superiority – not to judge or interfere with others who do their own work in the name of Jesus. It will be left to Christ to judge whether others were actually “workers of lawlessness.” [Matthew 7:21-23] Compare something similar in Numbers 11:28. It should be kept in mind that it is most likely this person observed by the apostles was a Jew and already a member of the nation of Israel, God’s own People. It would not be until Pentecost that God’s Spirit would be removed from the fleshly Jews and placed upon the Church of Christ.

[4] Such a person will not lose the reward: Jesus is not saying that a person who only gives one of the apostles a drink of water will receive that reward saved for the Saints. Such a person with a kindly attitude does open up the opportunity to one day listen to such apostles and becoming a member of the congregation that Christ forms. On the matter of judgment research the word in Matthew and Romans. [See notes on Matthew 12:25-37.]

[5] Stumbles one of these ‘little ones’ that believe in me: Or, offends, fall. The Greek is SCANDALISE. Jesus means those of his disciples who have become as ‘little children’ in their disposition and actions. Jesus will go on to discuss in more detail what he means by “stumbles.”

[6] Millstone hung around the neck and then be thrown into the sea: That is, killed by others. Jesus will go on to mention an outcome much more severe – Gehenna.

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Preceding

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:9-13 – Elijah Has Come

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:14-24 – Help Me Where I Need Faith

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:25-29 – Why Could We Not Expel It?

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:30-32 – Foretells Resurrection

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:33-37 – Who is Greater?

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

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Related

1. The Church of Radical Denial
2. Worth Our Salt Sermon on Mark 9: 38-50
3. Be the Salt (Mark 9:38-50) Sunday School Lesson and Activities
4. Blunt Words from Jesus
5. Tribal Counsels
6. For, Against and Undecided
7. Cut It Off!
8. Daily Devotion – whoever gives you a cup of water to drink
9. God’s Reward Is Sure

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #4 Matthew 25:41-46

Matthew 25:31-46 – Judgment on the Realm of Heaven

MT25:31 “Further,[1] when the glorious Son of Humankind returns[2] with all his angels,[3] at that time he will sit down upon his glorious throne [of judgment].[4] MT25:32 He will gather together right in front of him[5] all those from the nations[6] and he will separate these persons from each other[7] just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.[8] [Ezekiel 34:17] MT25:33 He will make the sheep stand at his right-hand, but the goats at his left-hand.

MT25:34 “At that time the King will say to those on his right-hand: ‘Approach, those blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom[9] prepared for you from the world’s foundation.[10] MT25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.[11] [Isaiah 58:7] [I was] thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you took me in. MT25:36 [I was] ill-clad and you clothed me. I fell sick and you took care of me.[12] I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

MT25:37 “Then the righteous persons[13] will answer the King, asking, ‘Master, when did we see you hungry and feed you? Or, thirsty, and give you drink? MT25:38 Also, when did we see you a stranger and take you in? Or, ill-clad and clothed you? MT25:39 Or, when did we see you sick, or in prison, and went to visit you?’ MT25:40 And the King will answer them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you did to a single one of my humblest brothers, you did it to me.’[14]

MT25:41 “Then the King will also speak to those persons on his left-hand: ‘Depart from me, those who are cursed into the everlasting fire[15] prepared for the Devil and his angels! MT25:42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing[16] to eat. And, I got thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. MT25:43 I was a stranger and you did not take me in; ill-clad and you gave me no clothes; sick and in prison, and you did not look after me.’ MT25:44 Then [the goats] will respond: ‘Master,[17] when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or ill-clad or sick or in prison – and refused to minister to you?’ MT25:45 At this the King will tell them: ‘I tell you this truth: Depending on how much you refused to do to a single one of my humblest brothers, you refused to do it to me.’ MT25:46 And these goats will depart into an everlasting pruning;[18] but the righteous into everlasting life.”

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[15] Cursed into the everlasting fire: Or, NEB: the curse is upon you; go from my sight. The imagery is from Gehenna which is called the second death in Revelation.

[16] Gave me nothing: This is the sin of omission. Read and prayerfully meditate on James 4:17.

“ Therefore, the one knowing how to do good and yet not doing it–it is a sin.” (Jas 4:17 mhm)

[17] Master: The goats recognize the King as their Lord. They were members of the realm of profession, the Church. Note also Matthew 7:21, 22.

“21  Not everyone saying to me, ‘Master, Master!’ will enter the Heavenly Realm but the one doing the will of my heavenly Father.22 Many will say to me in The Day: ‘Master, Master, did we not prophesy in your name? And, in your name cast out demons? And, in your name did many dynamic works?’ (Mt 7:21-22 mhm)

[18] Into an everlasting pruning: Or, KJV: everlasting punishment. The Greek is EIS KOLASIN AIONION. KOLASIN is a rare word usually translated torment or punishment. The word is rooted in Strong’s #2849 and means, “1) to lop or prune, as trees and wings; 2) to curb, check, restrain; 3) to chastise, correct, punishment; 4) to cause to be punished.” The essential idea is lopping off or removing from a tree. Compare this idea in Romans 11:22-24.

“22 Observe, then God’s kindness and pruning upon those Jews who fell; but upon you non-Jews God’s kindness if you continue in that kindness, otherwise you also will be pruned off. 23 But, if those of Israel do not continue in their unbelief they will be grafted in, for God is powerful enough to graft them in again. 24 For, if you–originating from a naturally wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree–how much more will these natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree.” (Ro 11:22-24 mhm)

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Preceding

Matthew 25:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment by the King and Ten Virgins

Matthew 25:13 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep on the Watch

Matthew 25:14-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Keep Busy until the Parousia

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #1 Matthew 25:31-34

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #2 Matthew 25:34-36

Matthew 25:31-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment on the Realm of Heaven #3 Matthew 25:37-40

Matthew 23:33-36 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Treatment of Future Prophets

Matthew 23:33-36 – Treatment of Future Prophets

|| Luke 11:49-51

MT23:33 “Serpents, born of vipers,[1] how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?[2] MT23:34 Because of this, look! I am sending to you prophets, wise persons, and scribes.[3] You will kill some of them, others you will impale, and still others you will scourge in your synagogues.[4] You will persecute from city to city.[5] MT23:35 As a result there will come upon you all the righteous blood poured out on earth – from the blood of righteous Abel[6] to the blood of Zechariah (son of Barachiah)[7] whom your murdered between the Divine Habitat[8] and the altar. MT23:36 I tell you this truth: all this will come upon this generation!

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[1] Serpents, born of vipers: Or, birthed by viperous mothers; KJV: generation of vipers; RSV: brood of vipers; LAM: seed of scorpions. Compare GENNEMATA in verse 33 with GENEAN in verse 36.

[2] Gehenna: See notes else where on Gehenna. Or, PME: the rubbish heap.

[3] Prophets, wise persons, and scribes: These would be Christian prophets, wise ones, and scribes. Or, RIEU: wise and learned men; NOR: scholars; NEB: prophets, sages, and teachers; BECK: who are wise and know the Bible.

[4] You will kill some of them, others you will impale, and still others you will scourge in your synagogues: See the responsibility of the Jews in the Book of Acts (Acts 5:40; 7:54-60; 22:19). Note how Jesus foretells the same in the next chapter (See notes on Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:9).

[5] You will persecute from city to city: Or, WEY: chase from town to town; NEB: hound from city to city. Note Saul’s authority in Acts 9:1-3. Note Jesus’ counsel to his apostles at Matthew 10:23.

[6] Abel: See Genesis 4:10. Jesus classes these religious clergy with Cain. So there is a type of persecutor from the beginning. There is a bloodguilt on such a class of persons. Luke 11:50 adds, “… from the founding of the world.”

[7] Zechariah (son of Barachiah): Some think this is the same Zechariah of 2 Chronicles 24:17-22, 25. Others view the phrase Abel to Zechariah as a way of saying “Genesis to Revelation.”

[8] Divine Habitat: The Greek is NAOU and is often rendered either “temple” or “sanctuary.” Luke 11:51 uses “house” indicating that the NAOS is the Temple proper.

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Preceding

Matthew 23:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Prominence and Humility

Matthew 23:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Shutting Up the Kingdom

Matthew 23:15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 2: Evangelists of Gehenna

Matthew 23:16-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 3: Blind Guides and Gold

Matthew 23:23-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 4: A Disregard for Justice and Mercy

Matthew 23:25-26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 5: Greed and Uncleanness

Matthew 23:27-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 6: Whitewashed Graves

Matthew 23:29-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 7: The Only Good Prophet Is a Dead Prophet!

Matthew 18:15-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Three Steps to Gaining a Brother

Matthew 18:15-17 – Three Steps to Gaining a Brother

|| Luke 17:3

MT18:15 “However, if your brother[1] should sin[2] go to him privately and offer reproof.[3] You gain your brother if he listens to you. MT18:16 But, if he does not listen to you,[4] return with one or two others[5] so that at the mouth of two or three witnesses[6] [Deuteronomy 19:15] anything said may be confirmed.[7] MT18:17 Now if he refuses to respond[8] to the witnesses, speak to the congregation.[9] But, if he refuses to listen to the congregation,[10] let him become to you as a foreigner or a tax-collector.[11]

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[1] Your brother: The “your” is singular. The word “brother” indicates a spiritual or religious relationship. The subject or theme is still that of stumbling a little one. Jesus now deals with how to handle such a matter personally.

[2] Should sin: What the “sin” is we are not told. We do not know whether this is a personal offense or one observed by another. If the theme and subject continue this may be something scandalous or offensive done to a little one so as to cause stumbling. Such a person – in danger of Gehenna – needs to be cautioned and corrected so that no further harm come to others. The KJV adds the words “sin against thee” but it is now recognized they are not adequately supported by older manuscripts. Note the responsibility under the Law to reprove a fellow worshipper (Leviticus 19:17; Proverbs 25:9).

[3] Go to him privately and offer reproof: Or, ASV: show him his fault; RIEU: go and have it out with him in private; RHM: withdraw, convince him betwixt thee and him alone; BAS: make clear to him his error between you and him in private. The original question from the disciples was, “Who is greatest?” This is a subject that has been discussed among the disciples. Is it possible this kind of thinking which is called a sin here? Is there a need among the disciples for one of them to go to another and offer reproof regarding this political ambition? We suspect Judas Iscariot right in the middle of such a concern. The Greek for “reprove” here is ELEGZON. Strong’s provides the following: “AV – reprove 6, rebuke 5, convince 4, tell (one’s) fault 1, convict 1; 17 1) to convict, refute, confute 1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted 1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose 2) to find fault with, correct 2a) by word 2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove 2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation 2b) by deed 2b1) to chasten, to punish.”

[4] Does not listen to you: Or, KJV: if he will not hear thee; RIEU: if he refuses to listen. The reproof has not worked in the first instance. Perhaps the person insists he does not have this problem despite the rebuke.

[5] Return with one or two others: Or, RIEU: call in one or two other people. Ideally these would have been witnesses to the “sin.” As observers they can confirm to the erring one that he is indeed guilty. Also, they become witnesses to the whole conversation and the effort to gain the brother. This would be the first time the correcting brother discussed the matter with others.

[6] Mouth of two or three witnesses: This is a reference to Deuteronomy 19:15. Jesus also quotes it at John 8:17 and Paul alludes to it at 2 Corinthians 13:1.

[7] Anything said may be confirmed: Or, KJV: every word may be established; RSV: every word may be confirmed. The two or three witnesses confirm the attitude and the denial of sin.

[8] Now if he refuses to respond: Or, KJV: if he shall neglect to hear them; RHM: hear them amiss; RIEU: if he pays no attention to these.

[9] Speak to the congregation: There are a variety of views here. To these Jews the “congregation” would be the members of the synagogue. The “congregation” may also be that one Jesus said he would build (see notes at Matthew 16:18). Also, some hold “congregation” here means the elders who represent it; others, see the entire congregation. There are good reasons for the later. Paul indicates that the sinner in the Corinthian congregation was judged so by “the majority.” (2 Corinthians 2:6 NW, CON) This would indicate a vote of some kind. Paul also counsels that elders who sin should be rebuked before the entire congregation (1 Timothy 5:20). Others render this phrase: KJV: tell it unto the church; RHM: tell it to the assembly; RIEU: report the matter to the church.

[10] If he refuses to listen to the congregation: This is his last chance. He was reproved by a single brother, then two more tried, and now the congregation has tried, but he still refuses to recognize his sin, repent and turn around. Every opportunity has been given the sinner.

[11] Let him become to you as a foreigner or a tax-collector: Again there are a variety of views on the meaning. Others render this: KJV: as an heathen man and a publican; RSV: as a Gentile and a tax-collector; NEB: a pagan or a tax-gatherer. If the “you” be viewed as a Jew then the sinning brother is no longer welcome in social association though business dealings may continue. If the “you” is a disciple of the Nazarene then the commands of Jesus must be considered. Jesus taught his disciples to “love their enemies” by praying for them, doing good to them, and even giving them money without interest (See notes on Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:30-35).

Three times Paul uses the word SYNANAMIGNYSTHAI (quit mixing yourselves with) (1 Corinthians 5:9, 11; 2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15). The later verse clarifies the whole matter when it says: “But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.”

We may also ask how our Lord treated Non-Jews and tax-collectors? See notes on Matthew 9:10, 11; 11:19; 15:21-27.

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Preceding

Matthew 18:1-6 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Children and Stumbling

Matthew 18:1-6 Reborn and pliable as a child

Matthew 18:7-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Danger of Stumbling-blocks

Matthew 18:12-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Searching for Lost Sheep

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Related

1. His Compassion
2. Great Verses of the Bible: Matt 18:15
3. “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” ~Religious elites to Jesus disciples
4. Correction And Discipline Of Other Believers
5. When Christians Foolishly Speak For Others
6. About organized religion
7. The Spiritual Warfare Error
8. The Error of Not Confronting Error
9. Be Reconciled