Often, when we remember the deeds of the past and speak of them (cp. Mark 6:7, 30) we leave out some things, perhaps even forgetting them, because they seemed unimportant at the time. However, when present events don’t transpire as one expects, those things that once seemed unimportant are suddenly pushed to the front of one’s thoughts. I believe this is what occurred in Mark 9:38. John seemed surprised that a stranger would be able to do a miracle in Christ’s name, but he and the other Apostles had recently failed (Mark 9:34-37), even though it was common knowledge that they followed Jesus (cp. Mark 9:17-18, 28). Why would the stranger be successful when they were not, and where would the stranger fit into Jesus’ ministry, if, indeed he had a place?
An example of such a thing would be the ministry of John the Baptist. In the beginning he thought Jesus should take over his ministry, and he would follow Jesus (Matthew 3:13-14), but Jesus told him their ministries should remain separate for the time being (Matthew 3:15), and, although there was some friction and misunderstanding between the two ministries (Matthew 11:2-3; Mark 2:18; John 3:25-26), John’s ministry fulfilled its purpose of pointing others to Christ (Matthew 11:7-15). Another example would be that of Apollos in Ephesus (Acts 18:24-26). He preached Jesus, but didn’t know the Gospel perfectly, but when the more excellent way was told him, he preached the word mightily. So, Jesus’ point is proved in that, although some folks don’t literally follow him properly, they are able to point folks to Christ, and that’s what’s important. So, to forbid such folks to do the good they do in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:38) would be a disservice to the cause of Christ, for even these will be rewarded for the good they do in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:40-41).
Jesus refers to such folks as his little ones (Mark 9:38, 42), and offending them would meet with fierce judgment. Notice that Jesus uses three arguments against judging these little ones. The three arguments pertain to one’s hands, one’s feet and one’s eyes (Mark 9:43, 45, 47), and each one has a special significance in the word of God.
One’s hand has to do with his authority and strength (Isaiah 23:11; 41:10; 62:8), while one’s feet concerns the good works one does in Jesus’ name (John 13:4-16; 1Timothy 5:10). The eye is put for one’s judgment (Isaiah 1:15; Habakkuk (1:13), and what one desires, either for good (Job 31:16; Psalm 54:7) or for evil (Proverbs 27:20; Ecclesiastes 1:8). In other words, to use one’s authority or power to judge the good works of another as evil would bring judgment upon oneself, and all of what one has done in the name of the Lord. Every man’s work will be judged with fire (1Corinthians 3:12-13), and the fire will burn until all that can be consumed (i.e., all that is of the flesh; cp. Mark 9:44, 46, 48) is burned up. Whatever remains, then, will be rewarded (1Corinthians 3:14), but there is a possibility that one would lose everything one does for the cause of Christ (1Corinthians 3:15), if one uses one’s service for Christ to destroy the good works of one of these little ones (Mark 9:42-48).
Everyone will be salted with fire (cp. 1Corinthians 3:12-15), and each sacrifice (one’s life) is salted with salt (cp. Matthew 5:13). Nevertheless, what would one do, if one’s salt loses its ability to flavor or preserve other things (i.e., the world)? If one’s ability to flavor or preserve is gone, how could one become re-salted in order to serve the Lord once more? Therefore, preserve one’s service to the Lord by living with one another in peace (Mark 9:49-50).
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