Mark 9:38-50 - Kingdom Commendations, Condemnations, and Purifications

Mark 9:38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him because he was not following us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, truly that person will surely be rewarded. 42 If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have the kind of millstone a donkey turns bound around his neck and to be thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter the life of the age to come maimed, than to go into the unquenchable fire of hell with both hands —44 Where “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Is. 66:24). 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter the life of the age to come lame than to have two feet and be thrown into the unquenchable fire of hell —46 Where “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Is. 66:24). 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have both eyes and be thrown into hell — 48 here “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched” (Is. 66:24). 49 For everyone will be salted in fire. 50 Salt is good; but if the salt becomes tasteless, with what will you season it? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (G. Strawbridge trans.)

Kingdom Commendations and Condemnations ( 38-42)
Kingdom Purification and Peace (43-50)