Hyperbole

March 3

Daily Bible Reading: Mark 9:30 – 50

Verse of the Day: Mark 9:43 – “And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.”

Does Jesus mean for us to literally mutilate ourselves because of sin? Some religions teach this concept, but we can understand from all of Christ’s teachings that his is an account of hyperbole (when more is said than literally meant). It is a form of exaggeration used to emphasize the point being made. It is making a superlative degree of implication.

Jesus wants us to understand that sin and Hell (Greek gehenna) are so hideous that one should take great lengths to avoid them. Avoiding sin can require drastic action on our part. Today, meditate upon the sin in my life, and how I must seek to avoid it at all costs.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, too often I do not see the utter hideousness of sin. I do not realize the depth of depravity and punishment that it can bring. Help me today to focus on Jesus and His ability to cleanse and restore. Amen.