Mark 9: 38-50  In this passage Mark records Jesus teaching His disciples instead of his usual presentation of Jesus at work among them.  There is something we need to grasp about Jesus in this lesson.. Lord, give us understanding!

It starts with John telling Jesus about some man.. not one of the 12  disciples.. who was casting out demons in Jesus' name.  John did not approve.  But, Jesus said, " Do not hinder him, for there is no one who shall perform a miracle in My name and be able to soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us." 

John and the other disciples received a lesson on discernment. They needed to learn to discern what was good.. and what was evil. If this man was able to help a demon possessed man in the Name of Jesus then they should have been able to discern that he was a follower of Christ even if he was not one of the 12 chosen disciples.  This reminds me of Acts 19:14-15 when some Jewish men.. "the seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest" were trying to use the name of Jesus to cast out evil spirits but were unable to.. the evil spirit saying to them, "I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?"  Not just anyone can use the Name of Jesus.. but only those who are true followers of Him. Those who are "for Him" and not against Him. 

Jesus continued His teaching on discernment... 

Those who would give them a cup of water because of the Name of Jesus.. is someone on their side.. and they would be rewarded. 

Someone who would cause little ones to stumble in their faith are not on their side...and they would be judged and punished.

Jesus turned His lesson towards personal discernment.. 

"If your hand causes you to stumble...If your foot causes you to stumble... If your eye causes you to stumble"... "cut it off.. cast it out"..  what good is it to keep anything in your life that keeps you from heaven?  Get rid of those things that keep you from being on the Lord's side!

"For everyone will be salted with fire."  Jesus said, "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another." 

Father in heaven,  help us to truly recognize those who are followers of Jesus Christ and help us to recognize in ourselves those things that keep us from being in true covenant relationship with Him.. on His side. Unite us together in One Spirit.. that we might in peace and in godly wisdom serve You with whole hearts and willing minds. We ask this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.