Proper 21: Gospel, Mark 9:38-50

Mark 9:38-50

How’s your patience quotient these days? What does it take to push you past your limit in regards to people following your lead? In today’s gospel, we have a patience/irritability problem that crops up with Jesus' disciples as they point out to him that someone dares “imitate” their work without being “in the group.” I remember hearing about the president of the seminary I attended (which was non-denominational) being addressed over the issue of certain prospective students who were not, shall we say, from the usual denomination that would attend our school. Now don’t get me wrong. The school had standards, no doubt. But the school’s motto then was, “If it’s the Bible you want, then you want Multnomah.” Funny name for a college/seminary but hey. The issue at hand was, anyone who wanted to learn God’s Word was welcome.

Jesus says as much in our gospel reading this week. Jesus teaches that there are those who will carry on real and valuable service to the King, who don’t always look like us, sound like us or even carry all the same books under their arms. Save one, of course. Now I subscribe to the confessions of the faith I hold, and do so proudly. But I also see the beauty of a Savior who has welcomed many and still does, who have not walked just the same road I have.

“”Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able to soon afterward speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:39-40). Are there limits we must not cross? Of course. Are we called to have a discerning mind and eye? Without question. But to love others in the gospel is to always err on the side of embracing those who speak the truth of the message, imperfectly even as we do, with a bond of love that goes beyond requiring all MY standards be met.

“ … for the one who is not against us is for us.” Those are the Master’s words. Not mine.