Mark 9:45
In order to avoid confusion here, we must understand something of Jesus’ perspective. Those who he is speaking of entering into life with just one foot would be entering into the life of the blessed. Whereas, those having two feet would be embarking upon a life of wickedness only to be ended by being cast into hell. In other words, he’s not just speaking of the ultimate destiny of people, but also the means by which they get there.
So, we see a real contrast between the life of the blessed and the life of the wicked. Why? Why is Jesus so concerned to illustrate this contrast? The answer is easy. While living this life here on earth, we tend to think that all is secure, all is well. It’s very easy to go through our lives forgetting the spiritual aspect altogether. Jesus hopes to help the disciples have the eternal perspective even in this present life. They would need to help people understand that feeling secure in the here and now was not enough. Sin must be taken care of. The Savior must be accepted. Eternal life must commence today, not someday way off later on.
Heavenly Father, thank you for warning us! You don’t just give us the truth as something to cling to in the last moments of our fleeting existence. Instead, you have given it to us for every moment of our lives here. You care not just about our future destiny, but about our lives here and now. Thank you for helping us to understand that, though we miss it sometimes, there is a great difference between living here with Christ, and without him. Thank you for the difference! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.