John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in
your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow
us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him…” Mark 9:38–39
Why would John and the other disciples try to stop someone from
driving out demons? To understand this, imagine the scene. John and
the other disciples had come to believe that Jesus was the Christ,
the Messiah of God. They witnessed Him perform many miracles and
change many lives. As a result, they no doubt wanted everyone to
discover Who Jesus was and come to faith in Him. But then they
encountered someone they did not know, who was driving out demons
in Jesus’ name, and they tried to stop him.
Just prior to this passage, we read the story of a man who had
brought his possessed son to Jesus’ disciples and asked them to
cure the boy, but they were unable to do so. Perhaps the disciples
were a bit humbled by their inability to cast out the demon, and
then they witnessed another person, not of their company, who was
able to cast out demons in Jesus’ name. This might have added to
their feelings of weakness and humiliation, and perhaps that is
part of their motivation for trying to stop the man from exercising
authority in Jesus’ name.
One common temptation that the evil one issues upon the members of
the Church is that of internal division. As followers of Christ, we
are all entrusted with the same mission, in different ways. We are
called to become instruments of God’s grace for the salvation of
souls and the glory of God. But sometimes we fail to act in unison
and, instead, see our co-workers as our opponents.
Within our Church today, there are plenty of internal divisions
that must cease. Perhaps the best way to accomplish this is to make
it a priority to focus upon mutual support. Instead of allowing
pride to create jealousy toward those who perform “mighty deeds” by
the grace of God, we must work to rejoice in every good that we
see. This seems like an obvious statement, but pride and feelings
of inadequacy are real temptations that lead us to look down upon
those who accomplish the will of God in powerful ways. When we see
someone doing something good, we often immediately think about
ourselves, wishing we were the ones doing the good work. And when
God uses another in a powerful way, we can easily be tempted to see
our own inadequacies and failings, rather than glorifying God for
the good deeds done by another.
Reflect, today, upon the simple truth that every Christian is on
the same spiritual team. We are all called to work toward the goals
of the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Try to humbly think
about those in your life who do this well and consider your
attitude toward them. If you see any form of jealousy, envy or
criticism, commit to dispel those attitudes. Instead, seek to have
gratitude as you rejoice in the many ways that God uses others for
His purpose.
Lord of power and might, You accomplish countless good through
the generosity and fidelity of Your people. You constantly use all
who follow You to bring forth Your will. Please use me, dear Lord,
as an instrument of Your will, and help me to always rejoice in the
ways that You bring Your grace forth through others. Jesus, I trust
in You.
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Featured image above: Jesus teaching his disciples by Ilyas
Basim Khuri Bazzi Rahib, via Wikimedia Commons
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