Mark’s gospel gets a little jumbled after the story of the Transfiguration at the beginning of Mark 9. There is misunderstanding. Failed healings by the disciples and powerful healings by someone who is not part of the inner circle. Jesus seems to be hiding out from the crowd while he talks to his disciples about welcome. It looks like there is a theme starting about children that stretches into Mark 10. But that theme gets interrupted by some drastic words about cutting off limbs or being “thrown into hell.” Where is this all going? One scholar suggests that the connection is about inclusivity and boundaries – about inviting in and “cutting off.” It makes me wonder about drawing lines. What lines don’t need to be drawn? What lines – for the safety, healing, and peace of others – need to be? The sermon that is evolving feels like a dangerous one. Drawing lines is always dangerous. Lines have consequences. Please join me in the conversation on Mark 9.38-50 this Sunday as think about “drawing lines.”