John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn't follow us." But Jesus said, "Don't forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me. For whoever is not against us is on our side. For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.” (MARK 9:38-41)
Just like his (their) nickname (John & James––the Sons of Thunder) John seems to be much ready to act hastily. He reports of what they did to someone who cast out demon using Jesus' name. John isn’t asking Jesus how to handle the person but says what they did probably expecting Jesus to praise or confirm their action. John says "he doesn't follow us.”. In modern language the "certified" disciples tried to stop an "uncertified" disciple but one who is successful in casting out demon using Jesus' name. I’m assuming John’s concern is not only with protecting the sanctity of Jesus' name, but also with protecting the disciples' unique status. They drew a circle to keep that person out. But Jesus who touched lepers, who ate with tax collectors and sinners RE-DRAWS a wide circle to include him too. This “someone” may not meet the standard of authentic discipleship, YET Jesus shows sympathy and encourages. It doesn’t mean Jesus will open doors to any religious activity, it had two conditions do "a mighty work.”, "in my name"––in the name of Jesus (not use His name in vain).
A similar thing occurred during Moses’s time. Moses appointed seventy elders, to whom God gave them gift of prophecy. 2 people who weren’t part of it prophesied which casued Joshua to ask Moses to stop them, but Moses said ..only if all of God’s people were prophets!
What is our stand…do we draw a circle too…or do we re-draw it like Christ or do we consider others as inferior or less?? Christ wants us all to GENUINELY put aside petty jealousies and to respect the gifts of those who work in His name(remember Jesus also warns of the deceivers) . However, these beliefs must adhere to the fundamentals of the faith and in-line with The Word of God!!
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