Matthew 17:24-18:9, Mark 9:33-50, and Luke 9:46-50
…where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. (Mark 9:48) Jesus is citing this verse to “describe” hell (or some aspect of hell). In so doing he is quoting Isaiah (also in verses 44 and 46, left out in some manuscripts), but what’s intriguing to me is that this quote is the very end, the very last verse of Isaiah’s 66 chapters! Here is the entire verse: And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against Me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh. (Isaiah 66:24) That entire section in Isaiah, beginning with verse 66:15 is speaking of the end times and the final judgment. It is often the case in Scripture that a speaker or writer cites one or two verses, but is reflecting to his audience an entire larger portion of Scripture that provides the larger context. So it is with Jesus’ quote here.
There are four vignettes covered in these three readings today, one of which is covered by only one author, two of which are covered by two authors, but only one which is covered by all three Gospel writers – the question of “Who is the greatest?” I note in the second link below that each of the writers has a different introduction to this discussion. But Jesus has the same answer, no matter how the question is raised: Humility! If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. (Mark 9:35b) Just that…
See also: June 14 / Matt. 17:24-18:9; June 15 / Mark 9:33-50; June 16 / Luke 9:46-50
Very interesting!
I pondered the situation of someone not in their group healing demons in Jesus’s name. We just read that the disciples had been unsuccessful in that (after previous success). Must have been hard to take! They seem to be more concerned about their status as a disciple than the need of the person healed. Apparently there were believers outside their circle. How do we approach the efforts of others to meet spiritual and physical needs, when they are from a different group of Christians? If we put our faith in Jesus’s name and work for the spread of the Kingdom, can we put aside our denominational differences as Fred mentioned? I think that Jesus is more concerned about my humility, sincerity, and desire for God’s Word than any denomination, tradition, etc.
I have been giving some thought to what it means to be greatest in the kingdom (or even just being invited to the dance). Each of the readings today point to a child as being greatest/first. Matthew reports that Jesus said that “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mark reports that Jesus said that “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” – Mark also indirectly points to a child as one that would be first through Jesus saying that whoever receives a child also receives Him, and whoever receives Him, receives the Father (so by receiving the child you also receive the Father – can’t get more first than that). Luke also reports Jesus referring to a child as He says “he who is least among you all, is the one who is great.”
So, the attributes of one who would be first are similar to a child: humility, servant of all, least among all. I would also add innocence to that list even though that was not explicitly stated.
Why these attributes? Just some thoughts: Humility – because it is the polar opposite if pride – the great destroyer; Servant – because it implies faithfully doing the Master’s will; Least – because it implies that there is no opportunity for pride and unlimited opportunity for serving others; and Innocence – because it implies a trust that is undiminished by doubt.
Something to shoot for.
Nice analysis of these three readings, Lou. I like your list—definitely an ongoing challenge for our lives.
Lou, I think you are invited to the dance!