Hell.
Jesus spoke clearly and unequivocally about hell, a topic modern teachers discount, explain away, and gloss over. We are averse to the idea that some might spend time in hell (an eternity?) while others escape the fate. Hell’s ok for Hitler, but not for anyone else.
But the words from the mouth of Jesus leave little to doubt and plenty to the imagination. He speaks of those who cause others (or themselves) to stumble, particularly those harming the faith of children. He pounds the message that it’s better to enter the kingdom of God scarred and crippled than be thrown into hell, where:
The worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched.
Jesus issued a stern warning. Hell is one important reason I want my friends and neighbors to hear about Jesus, to read these words for themselves and give them thought. But I also realize that these words apply to me.
Jesus sat and discussed this topic with his disciples. He gave them pause, forcing them to stop and consider the severity of causing others to stumble while on the path of Jesus. I need to pause and consider as well.
It jumps out to me that hell, at least to Jesus, was a very real place—and he should know.
Mark 9 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022
Photo by Robert Gunnarsson
It jumps out to me that hell, at least to Jesus, was a very real place—and he should know.
*****
Amen. Just as you said, Dave.