All Inclusive
By Rev. Heidi L. Barham | September 29, 2024
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Read Mark 9:38 – 50 (NIV)
If you have ever listened to certain commercials on TV or radio or read the fine print on the back of a coupon, you are probably familiar with the term, “Some exclusions may apply.”
Now, this term is particularly frustrating when I get to the cash register at a certain unidentified retail establishment… because just when I think I am about to score a large discount using my coupons along with my Kohl’s cash (oops, I mean my unidentified retail establishment dollars) I am told to refer to the coupon which says, “some exclusions may apply” ...which typically means that the very items I picked up will not be nearly as inexpensive as I had hoped.
On the flip side of that, perhaps you have taken advantage of one of those vacation packages that are classified as ALL INCLUSIVE... which one would think means no exclusions will apply... but even with that, one has to be careful, because even with an ALL INCLUSIVE vacation package... there can still be some exclusions that may apply.
But as we take a closer look at our text for the morning... in spite of what anyone else may have thought to the contrary... Jesus operated strictly on an ALL INCLUSIVE basis... with no exclusions that apply.
In other words, Jesus’ goal was not to exclude, but to include anyone and everyone who wanted to follow Him. However, the disciples had their own ideas about who they thought should be considered as an insider.
But in our New Testament lesson for the morning, we find that the disciples were complaining about a so-called “outsider” driving out demons and they even went so far as to say that they had put a stop to it... as though that was something they should have been given credit for doing.
However, as we see in the text, Jesus was none too pleased as He told them:
Read Mark 9:38 – 50 (NIV)
If you have ever listened to certain commercials on TV or radio or read the fine print on the back of a coupon, you are probably familiar with the term, “Some exclusions may apply.”
Now, this term is particularly frustrating when I get to the cash register at a certain unidentified retail establishment… because just when I think I am about to score a large discount using my coupons along with my Kohl’s cash (oops, I mean my unidentified retail establishment dollars) I am told to refer to the coupon which says, “some exclusions may apply” ...which typically means that the very items I picked up will not be nearly as inexpensive as I had hoped.
On the flip side of that, perhaps you have taken advantage of one of those vacation packages that are classified as ALL INCLUSIVE... which one would think means no exclusions will apply... but even with that, one has to be careful, because even with an ALL INCLUSIVE vacation package... there can still be some exclusions that may apply.
But as we take a closer look at our text for the morning... in spite of what anyone else may have thought to the contrary... Jesus operated strictly on an ALL INCLUSIVE basis... with no exclusions that apply.
In other words, Jesus’ goal was not to exclude, but to include anyone and everyone who wanted to follow Him. However, the disciples had their own ideas about who they thought should be considered as an insider.
But in our New Testament lesson for the morning, we find that the disciples were complaining about a so-called “outsider” driving out demons and they even went so far as to say that they had put a stop to it... as though that was something they should have been given credit for doing.
However, as we see in the text, Jesus was none too pleased as He told them:
Don’t stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath slam me. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Now, in the world of diversity, equity and inclusion where I find myself during the week... that word “ally” is used fairly often. But what exactly is an “ally”?
According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, one of the primary definitions of an ally is “one that is associated with another as a helper; a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ally).
However, Webster’s also notes that the word ally is “often now used specifically of a person who is not a member of a marginalized or mistreated group but who expresses or gives support to that group.”
And as we think about the role of the Christian church today... we all have a responsibility to be allies – to express and give support to those who have been mistreated and marginalized – and in doing so, we are to be ALL INCLUSIVE.
The mistake the disciples made in the text was in trying to suggest that simply because certain people were not part of their inner circle, they were not entitled to the same rights and privileges afforded to the disciples as followers of Christ. And sadly, even to this day, there are some groups who call themselves Christians that still think and feel the exact same way.
But the Jesus we find in the Scriptures is One who fosters inclusion, who loves without benefit of fine print or red tape… One whose mission and ministry could easily have as its motto: no exclusions will apply.
Now, as we continue looking at the text, we also find words of caution that Jesus issued to His disciples that we would do well to heed even today. Jesus warned them that there would be repercussions for hindering a believer – for bullying them or taking advantage of them in their growing faith.
And let me just say this... Jesus was not one to mince words.
Verse 42 of the reads, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”
This actually made me think about those old mafia movies where people were thrown into the lake with a cement block tied around them... it almost makes you wonder if they got the idea from Jesus…
But in all seriousness, I believe the severity of what it means to hinder a new believer, or even an older believer for that matter, seems to have gotten lost over time. People seem to have no qualms about causing distress or discomfort for someone else, all while hiding behind the shield of Christianity.
How can I say that with any degree of certainty? All we need to do is take a look around at what is happening in the world today.
For example, there has been no shortage of attention paid to the concerted efforts of some people to deprive women of the right to bodily autonomy... to make decisions about their own health care...
This is being done by those who trumpet the “right to life” under the guise of “saving the lives of innocent children.”
But there are a few questions that remain unanswered by those people who claim to be taking a Christian stance and choosing the moral high road.
For example, what actually happens after those children are born?
And what is being done to ensure that every child who escapes the “ravages of abortion” is safe from the ravages of other life-threatening things like abusive parents, gun violence, and the use of excessive force by police?
And after we have protected this child’s “right to life” as it is set forth in the Declaration of Independence which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” …why is it that their rights to pursue those things are continually hindered as they get older… with restricted access to jobs, health care and the ballot box… all of which is most prevalent when they come from certain minority and traditionally marginalized communities?
And what about the “right to life” for those who have not had the privilege of being born in this “great country” of ours? Are their lives less valuable... and therefore more expendable?
It would seem that despite being presented with ample opportunities to rise to the occasion and follow Jesus’ example of being ALL INCLUSIVE... seeking to fulfill His commandment to love our neighbors as we love ourselves… all too often it seems like as a society... we are falling far short.
Looking at many of the court decisions that have been made over the past few weeks, months, and years... there is something that has become abundantly clear.
Certain persons are using the laws and regulations of the Old Testament as their justification for enacting restrictive, harmful and prejudicial laws today… as validation for their discriminatory behavior… all while waiving their banners as they espouse their Christian values.
But they seem to have failed to give any consideration to what Christ said about those Old Testament commandments.
If we look at Matthew 22 (34 – 40), we find the story of one of the experts in the law trying to test Jesus by asking which was the greatest commandment in the Law. [Keep in mind, according to scholars, there were actually 613 commandments in the Law, not just ten.]
However, Jesus summed it up simply by telling the man:
According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, one of the primary definitions of an ally is “one that is associated with another as a helper; a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ally).
However, Webster’s also notes that the word ally is “often now used specifically of a person who is not a member of a marginalized or mistreated group but who expresses or gives support to that group.”
And as we think about the role of the Christian church today... we all have a responsibility to be allies – to express and give support to those who have been mistreated and marginalized – and in doing so, we are to be ALL INCLUSIVE.
The mistake the disciples made in the text was in trying to suggest that simply because certain people were not part of their inner circle, they were not entitled to the same rights and privileges afforded to the disciples as followers of Christ. And sadly, even to this day, there are some groups who call themselves Christians that still think and feel the exact same way.
But the Jesus we find in the Scriptures is One who fosters inclusion, who loves without benefit of fine print or red tape… One whose mission and ministry could easily have as its motto: no exclusions will apply.
Now, as we continue looking at the text, we also find words of caution that Jesus issued to His disciples that we would do well to heed even today. Jesus warned them that there would be repercussions for hindering a believer – for bullying them or taking advantage of them in their growing faith.
And let me just say this... Jesus was not one to mince words.
Verse 42 of the reads, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.”
This actually made me think about those old mafia movies where people were thrown into the lake with a cement block tied around them... it almost makes you wonder if they got the idea from Jesus…
But in all seriousness, I believe the severity of what it means to hinder a new believer, or even an older believer for that matter, seems to have gotten lost over time. People seem to have no qualms about causing distress or discomfort for someone else, all while hiding behind the shield of Christianity.
How can I say that with any degree of certainty? All we need to do is take a look around at what is happening in the world today.
For example, there has been no shortage of attention paid to the concerted efforts of some people to deprive women of the right to bodily autonomy... to make decisions about their own health care...
This is being done by those who trumpet the “right to life” under the guise of “saving the lives of innocent children.”
But there are a few questions that remain unanswered by those people who claim to be taking a Christian stance and choosing the moral high road.
For example, what actually happens after those children are born?
And what is being done to ensure that every child who escapes the “ravages of abortion” is safe from the ravages of other life-threatening things like abusive parents, gun violence, and the use of excessive force by police?
And after we have protected this child’s “right to life” as it is set forth in the Declaration of Independence which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” …why is it that their rights to pursue those things are continually hindered as they get older… with restricted access to jobs, health care and the ballot box… all of which is most prevalent when they come from certain minority and traditionally marginalized communities?
And what about the “right to life” for those who have not had the privilege of being born in this “great country” of ours? Are their lives less valuable... and therefore more expendable?
It would seem that despite being presented with ample opportunities to rise to the occasion and follow Jesus’ example of being ALL INCLUSIVE... seeking to fulfill His commandment to love our neighbors as we love ourselves… all too often it seems like as a society... we are falling far short.
Looking at many of the court decisions that have been made over the past few weeks, months, and years... there is something that has become abundantly clear.
Certain persons are using the laws and regulations of the Old Testament as their justification for enacting restrictive, harmful and prejudicial laws today… as validation for their discriminatory behavior… all while waiving their banners as they espouse their Christian values.
But they seem to have failed to give any consideration to what Christ said about those Old Testament commandments.
If we look at Matthew 22 (34 – 40), we find the story of one of the experts in the law trying to test Jesus by asking which was the greatest commandment in the Law. [Keep in mind, according to scholars, there were actually 613 commandments in the Law, not just ten.]
However, Jesus summed it up simply by telling the man:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
All of those 613 commandments could be placed into two basic categories: love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
To be a Christian... to be a disciple... to be a true follower of Christ means to live in the way that Christ commanded... to follow in His footsteps of loving everyone… in an ALL INCLUSIVE way.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was often found in the company of the people that society viewed as “other” or “less than” …people we sometimes refer to as the last, the least and the lost… people who were marginalized and mistreated… people for whom Jesus was their greatest ally… people whom Jesus says we are to love and serve as well.
But clearly there is still much work for us to do.
Now, turning our attention back to the text, verses 43-48 in the Message Paraphrase read:
To be a Christian... to be a disciple... to be a true follower of Christ means to live in the way that Christ commanded... to follow in His footsteps of loving everyone… in an ALL INCLUSIVE way.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was often found in the company of the people that society viewed as “other” or “less than” …people we sometimes refer to as the last, the least and the lost… people who were marginalized and mistreated… people for whom Jesus was their greatest ally… people whom Jesus says we are to love and serve as well.
But clearly there is still much work for us to do.
Now, turning our attention back to the text, verses 43-48 in the Message Paraphrase read:
If your hand or your foot gets in God’s way, chop it off and throw it away. You’re better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owner of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. And if your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. You’re better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.
Some scholars suggest that Jesus was not literally promoting self-mutilation by calling for someone to cut off their hand or foot or pluck out their eye… rather, He was making a point about how critical it is to cut sinful ways out of our lives.
In other words, we need to stop doing those things with our hands that are not pleasing to God… like causing hurt and harm to others.
We need to stop letting our feet take us into places that are not acceptable to the Lord… you know those places where we really should not be... those places where we walk in and pray that no one will recognize us or know who we are.
And we need to stop looking at things that do not honor God… whether that is movies, books, other people, or anything else that promotes things that are offensive to God. If it is something that we would be ashamed of if we were looking at it when Jesus returns... that’s a clear sign we need to let it go.
And while letting go of those things may be difficult or feel impossible... it is absolutely necessary if we want to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable and give honor to God… and as hard as it may be, we need to let go of those things with no exceptions and no excuses…
Now, as we look at the closing verses of the text, we read, “Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
In biblical times, salt had many practical uses… and Jesus makes several references to salt in these closing verses as a means of highlighting some of the qualities that His followers should have.
First of all, salt was used along with a sacrifice to recall God’s covenant with His people. In Leviticus 2:13 we read, “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” The purpose of the grain offering was to worship God and acknowledge His provision. And so, Jesus’ use of the word salt was actually a way to remind His followers about God’s faithfulness to them.
Salt was also used as a seasoning to change the flavor of meat, to enhance its flavor. And so, Jesus offers encouragement to His followers to make a difference in the “flavor” of the world. When we come into a place, there ought to be a change in the atmosphere, for the better, because wherever we go, we are bringing Jesus with us.
And salt was also used as a preservative, to keep food from decaying. Likewise, Jesus calls His followers to “salt” the earth with love… spreading God’s message as a preservative to counteract the moral decay in society.
That is why the last verse of our text reads as follows in the Message, “Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.”
Let me leave you with three quick things that we can take from this text that will help us to preserve the peace.
First, Jesus calls His disciples to be ALL INCLUSIVE in accepting all of His other followers… keep in mind, none of us has a corner on the market when it comes to Jesus. His gift of salvation is offered to all.
It is as Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans (3:22 – 24):
In other words, we need to stop doing those things with our hands that are not pleasing to God… like causing hurt and harm to others.
We need to stop letting our feet take us into places that are not acceptable to the Lord… you know those places where we really should not be... those places where we walk in and pray that no one will recognize us or know who we are.
And we need to stop looking at things that do not honor God… whether that is movies, books, other people, or anything else that promotes things that are offensive to God. If it is something that we would be ashamed of if we were looking at it when Jesus returns... that’s a clear sign we need to let it go.
And while letting go of those things may be difficult or feel impossible... it is absolutely necessary if we want to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable and give honor to God… and as hard as it may be, we need to let go of those things with no exceptions and no excuses…
Now, as we look at the closing verses of the text, we read, “Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
In biblical times, salt had many practical uses… and Jesus makes several references to salt in these closing verses as a means of highlighting some of the qualities that His followers should have.
First of all, salt was used along with a sacrifice to recall God’s covenant with His people. In Leviticus 2:13 we read, “Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.” The purpose of the grain offering was to worship God and acknowledge His provision. And so, Jesus’ use of the word salt was actually a way to remind His followers about God’s faithfulness to them.
Salt was also used as a seasoning to change the flavor of meat, to enhance its flavor. And so, Jesus offers encouragement to His followers to make a difference in the “flavor” of the world. When we come into a place, there ought to be a change in the atmosphere, for the better, because wherever we go, we are bringing Jesus with us.
And salt was also used as a preservative, to keep food from decaying. Likewise, Jesus calls His followers to “salt” the earth with love… spreading God’s message as a preservative to counteract the moral decay in society.
That is why the last verse of our text reads as follows in the Message, “Everyone’s going through a refining fire sooner or later, but you’ll be well-preserved, protected from the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace.”
Let me leave you with three quick things that we can take from this text that will help us to preserve the peace.
First, Jesus calls His disciples to be ALL INCLUSIVE in accepting all of His other followers… keep in mind, none of us has a corner on the market when it comes to Jesus. His gift of salvation is offered to all.
It is as Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans (3:22 – 24):
This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
So, we are to be ALL INCLUSIVE in the same manner as Jesus.
Second, Jesus warns His followers against sinning or causing another believer to sin lest they face some serious repercussions for their actions. Simply put, we are called to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable to the Lord... we are to be role models of the faith for others to see.
And third, Jesus says His followers are to make a difference in the world, to leave a positive mark wherever we go… It is like something you may have heard me say in the past, “Out of 100 people, only one will read the Bible... 99 will read the Christian.”
So, what will the moral of the story be when people read our lives as Christians? Will they find the consummate love story and see someone whose love for God and the people of God is ALL INCLUSIVE? Will the story have a happy ending, or will it be a nailbiter and end with a cliffhanger, or something even worse?
The choice is up to us... what story do we want our lives to tell?
Hymn of Discipleship: I Love to Tell the Story #480
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Second, Jesus warns His followers against sinning or causing another believer to sin lest they face some serious repercussions for their actions. Simply put, we are called to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable to the Lord... we are to be role models of the faith for others to see.
And third, Jesus says His followers are to make a difference in the world, to leave a positive mark wherever we go… It is like something you may have heard me say in the past, “Out of 100 people, only one will read the Bible... 99 will read the Christian.”
So, what will the moral of the story be when people read our lives as Christians? Will they find the consummate love story and see someone whose love for God and the people of God is ALL INCLUSIVE? Will the story have a happy ending, or will it be a nailbiter and end with a cliffhanger, or something even worse?
The choice is up to us... what story do we want our lives to tell?
Hymn of Discipleship: I Love to Tell the Story #480
