What are you arguing with them about? (Mark 9:16)
Have you ever come upon a group of people arguing about something? It can be frightening, awkward, and uncomfortable. My brave response is to run in the opposite direction. However, I know genteel arguments are possible, as evidenced on high school or college debate teams. While covering hot topics, participants engage in tactful, respectful exchanges.
Jesus came upon a large crowd gathered with his disciples who were arguing with the teachers of the law. His question to them was, “What are you arguing with them about?” Did Jesus ask for their sake—to get their attention? Did they understand he knew what they were arguing about? We don’t know what their argument was, but it probably had something to do with Jesus.
I wonder if the disciples were bragging about all Jesus had done for them and how he had changed their lives? Can you imagine them telling the religious teachers about what they had witnessed? The lame could walk, the blind could see, the sick were well, and their sins were forgiven. These were not normal occurrences until Jesus came on the scene. Do you suppose they acted like children, challenging the religious leaders with taunts of, “Yeah, well, our Jesus can do anything?”
Whatever they argued about, it stopped when Jesus came on the scene, and he went about doing what he does best—his Father’s business.
May we stop arguing and be about our Father’s business.
Kathy Troyer, and her husband of forty-six years, are active in Cultivate [Wesleyan] Church in Indiana. They love spending time with their family—especially thirteen grandkids.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
