Reading: Luke 8-9
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in Thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us(Luke 9:49-50).
As Jesus' reputation grew, word of His ministry spread to the point that others outside His inner circle were coming to understand the holy power of His name. While doing their business for Him, the disciples saw a stranger casting out devils in Thy (Jesus’) name. Realizing that the person was not a known disciple, they stepped in and took charge of the situation, and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. Later, as they sat learning at Jesus' feet, John reported the incident to Jesus. As he spoke, it became apparent that John wasn't complaining that someone was taking Jesus' name in vain, nor was he saying that they were breaking moral or legal laws and attributing it to the teachings of Christ. John's complaint was simply that the other person followeth not with us; in John's eyes, that meant they were not ‘good enough’ to do the same work the disciples were doing.
Jesus' reply to John is something that we all should take to heart. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. Jesus recognized a fact in John’s statement that apparently the disciples, in their haste to classify, had overlooked. The man in question was SUCCESSFULLY performing the work of the Lord in the name of Jesus. This was a task that still proved difficult and, at times, impossible for those closest to Christ. Jesus did not view the stranger’s actions as a threat but as an affirmation. His message was spreading! Even as He began to prepare His disciples for the ordeal that lay ahead (9:44), Jesus saw His ministry take fruit. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples (John 15:7-8).
In the United States alone, there are over 200 separate Christian denominations. Worldwide that number reaches upward of 40,000. Sadly, it is not uncommon for the various members to spend much of their time squabbling about denominational differences. Some even go so far as to proclaim that their way is the only way. The truth of the matter is that no one on earth holds a patent on salvation. No one will ever make it to heaven just because they faithfully followed each and every one of their church’s bylaws, no matter how well-written or godly they may be. God's Word states that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9), and we need to remember that, in the long run, this is the only message that matters. Remember the words of Christ: he that is not against us is for us. If we would do less fighting among ourselves and instead spend that time reaching out to others, just think of how many more lives we could touch!
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another(Rom. 12:4-5).
Thought For TodayRivalry between the like-minded is a worldly method of advancement that yields no benefit when found between the members of the family of God.
Cross Reference: For Luke 8:10: See Is. 6:9. For Luke 9:35: See Ps. 2:7.
Word Studies:8:44 stanched = stopped flowing; 9:3 staves = staffs, walking sticks; scrip = small bag for money or food; 9:29 glistering = shining with brilliance.
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