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Mark 9:41
ESV For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
NIV Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.
NASB For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.
CSB And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ —truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
NLT If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded.
KJV For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
NKJV For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.

What does Mark 9:41 mean?

Jesus continues to redefine the type of community He expects His followers to foster. The members are not the powerful but those He sends, whether they be grown, empowered disciples (Mark 6:7–13) or children (Mark 9:36–37), or even, to some extent, as-yet outsiders who have caught a glimpse of Jesus' power (Mark 9:38–40). In response, His followers shouldn't expect honor like the Pharisees (Matthew 6:5) but rejection, suffering (Mark 8:34), and maybe a glass of water. The reward Christians will receive is a heavenly treasure they can't imagine (Matthew 5:12), not the accolades of men (Matthew 6:2).

We get too caught up in specifics, sometimes. Churches and ministries should not affirm false beliefs or overlook sin to receive support for God's work. We can, however, graciously accept aid from someone who sees what we do and wants to help. The disciples are ready to reject a man who is at least joining in the fight against satanic forces. Jesus infers there will come a time where the situation is so difficult even a glass of water will be a great blessing and worthy of reward. It's foolish to reject that water just because the one offering it has different theological beliefs.

A few short years after this, Jews and Romans will hunt, try, and kill Christians (Acts 8:1–3). The Jews, at least, believe their violence is in service to God, just as the Pharisees of Mark 3:22–27 think. Jesus expects us to be willing to make great sacrifices for Him (Mark 8:34), with little earthly reward or help. We should be grateful when that help comes.
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