The Gospel of Mark 9:38-42

 

Brian Hirvela

9/7/24

“John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to hinder him because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us. For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you are of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward. “And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.”

Continuing from last week, we are in the home of Peter in Capernaum. Jesus is sitting at a table with his disciples teaching them the cost of following Him and what is required of them. This is the same cost that is required of all who call upon the name of Jesus the Messiah (Christ).

Last week we spoke of the requirement of humility, that a Christian does not lord over others, but serves first God and then Man. This humility is one of complete denial of oneself and total devotion to God. One abandons all that he is, the way he thinks, and even social ties to conform to the image of Jesus by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

During the discussion, His disciple John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to hinder him because he was not following us.” Who this man is debated amongst theologians. Some say he may have been a disciple of John the Baptist who worked deeds in the name of the one to come, Jesus. Others say that Jesus' status was celebrated, and this man used His name for good, but not one of them.

I would note that it’s also possible that the day before the disciples could not cast out the demon from the father’s son who asked for their help. Yet here you have a man who does not follow them casting out demons without prayer but in the name of Jesus.

In either case, the Disciples hindered the man and told him to stop casting out demons because he wasn’t with Jesus and His disciples. John Calvin notes, “that they had rashly taken on themselves the right to forbid; and therefore, every man who undertakes more than he knows that he is permitted to do by the word of God is chargeable with rashness. Besides, there is reason to suspect the disciples of Christ of ambition, because they are anxious to maintain their privilege and honor.

For how comes it that they all at once forbid a man who is unknown to them to work miracles, but because they wish to be the sole possessors of this right? For they assign the reason, that he followed not Christ; as much as to say, “He is not one of thy associates, as we are: why then shall he possess equal honor?”

Did we not see how they discussed who would be greatest in Jesus’ earthly kingdom? And were they not rebuked and corrected by Jesus to be humble and not lord over others? This is the reality of not knowing what needs to be known but operating on assumptions.

“But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us.” It is amazing when we go through the scriptures how much we can honestly learn. For “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Tim 3:16-17)

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 12:3, that “no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.” Thus, this man who is doing the work of Jesus is doing so because the Spirit of God is with him. “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

It was wrong of John to forbid that man for he was not an any of theirs and in time, this man would not be able to speak evil of Jesus. I am not saying that this man’s ability to call on Jesus and cast out demons will save Him, but it is evidenced by scripture that he is following Jesus and is producing wonders for the name of Christ. This may show proof of his security in the kingdom of God in time.

But I do give this warning, “Many will say to Jesus on the day of Judgement, ‘Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Mat 7:22-23)

Jesus continues, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you are of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”
“Along with rewarding those who love his prophets, Christ will also reward those who are kind to his followers, whom the world despises and refers to as "little ones." Those who only entertain them and give them extravagant gifts will also be rewarded (if it is within their abilities), even if the kindness is as small as giving them a cup of cold water.” (M. Poole)

Yet, there is still caution, for Jesus followed up with, “Whoever causes one of these “little ones” who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” I have seen this text used out of context for some time. People use it as an attack upon those who abuse and denigrate children. I am not saying I am for that; I am saying it is out of context.

What Jesus is clearly saying is that if any person causes one of His followers to stumble from their faith will face a judgment worse than putting a 3,300-pound stone around their neck and then being cast into the sea. Leading a follower of Jesus astray is a serious offense that results in increased punishment, a “woe” from Jesus Himself, and shared responsibility for the believer’s fall. The one who leads others astray will not share in the eternal reward of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever but will instead face eternal condemnation. (Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:15). Next week I will continue in Mark 9, and we will discuss personal responsibility in following Jesus.

Jesus came to save sinners. Sinners suppress the truth and hide in their darkness because they love darkness. They are unbelieving, vile, foolish, rebellious, haters of God who have adopted the ideologies of this world and the doctrines of men. They have become slaves to their sexual desires, perverting the flesh and mind, and rebelling against the created order of God. They are doomed to condemnation and will be judged by Jesus and sent to Hell where they will burn for eternity in the lake of fire.

However, God so loved His creation, mankind, that He sent His Son Jesus, who can forgive you of your sins and redeem you because He has the authority and power. Jesus brings eternal life to all who repent and believe. For Jesus bore all our sins; He bore all the sins of all who believe in Him. Jesus was born and lived a perfect life of obedience to God as a man. Jesus was condemned to be executed and die in the sinner's place. He suffered the totality of God's wrath upon Himself on the Cross, which every sinner deserves, so that those who believe in Jesus may have peace with God.

Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death, and lives, and ascended to the right hand of God the Father. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and He is in your midst with us offering you salvation, repent, and believe Jesus.