Mark 9:38-41
Jesus Forbids Sectarianism
(Matt. 10:40–42; Luke 9:49, 50 )
Mark 9:38-41 NKJV – Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. “For he who is not against us is on our side. “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.
V38 “Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” The Apostle John asks a legitimate question. A principle is being taught that some people are followers without being in the accepted local group. Matthew 7:20 NKJV – “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” Another verse is (James 2:18 NKJV) “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Someone who is not a believer is addressed here: Acts 19:13-20. Salvation and being a Christ-follower is by faith and not by belonging to a special group. Some believe that this man was a disciple of John the Baptist.
V39 “But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me.” Obvious truth. He who does this is not an enemy of Jesus.
V40 “For he who is not against us is on our side.”
A principle is taught here to not cause trouble to those who are not causing us trouble (2 Timothy 2:23-24).
Constable on this verse writes: “Jesus did not mind that the man was casting out demons by invoking His name. Since the man had such respect for Jesus, he would not speak against Him soon. By casting out demons, he showed that he was not against Jesus. Jesus expressed the opposite truth in Mat 12:30: “He who is not with me is against me.” There is no neutral ground regarding one’s orientation to Jesus. Jesus’ point was that the disciples should not view the exorcist as an antagonist just because he was not part of their group. He was doing God’s will and would not oppose them.”
V41 “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.” Note the words “in My name.” Any non-believer can give a cup of water to someone who is thirsty. “Belong to Christ” are blessed and comforting words to me. Those who have believed in Christ belong to Christ. Belonging to Christ shows that believers are members of His flock of sheep (Luke 12:32 and 1 Peter 5:3), are part of His body (Romans 12:5), are part of His jewels (Malachi 3:17-18), and have their names in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Philippians 4:3).
We learn:
- If someone is not part of our local group, they can still be true believers.
- Actions performed in accordance with Jesus’s teachings and identity, rather than in opposition to them, demonstrate someone’s commitment to being a Christian.
Questions:
- How do we spiritually help others?
- Do you believe small actions are approved by God as well as great actions?
- How do we respond to those who disagree with us?