Do Not Hinder Him

Opening Prayer (Thanksgiving & Adoration)

Read Mark 9:38-41

Have you ever noticed how naturally we divide people into "us" and "them"?

It happens in sports, politics, workplaces, and even in churches. We tend to assume that those in our circle are the ones doing things the right way, while anyone outside our group is viewed with suspicion. We often mistake loyalty to our preferences for loyalty to God's kingdom.

The disciples made that very mistake.

John proudly tells Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not following us." Notice what he does not say. He does not say the man was opposing Jesus or teaching false doctrine. His concern was much simpler: "He wasn't one of us."

Jesus' response must have surprised them. Rather than rebuking the man, He corrected His disciples. He reminded them that the kingdom of God is not advanced by protecting personal territory but by exalting the name of Christ.

As we come to Mark 9:38–41, we are challenged to ask ourselves an important question: Are we more concerned with building our own circles, or with seeing Christ's kingdom advance?

Am I building selfish silos or working fields of God’s Grace?

I. Called to Discipleship, not sectarianism. (v.38-39)

John Mark makes a clear distinction in how he refers to the Apostles, singling out John, the Beloved Disciple, as the one who comes to Jesus with an ironic, joyful report.

John is gleeful as he reports to Jesus about the “outsider” who was casting out demons in His name, though not one of the Disciples who had followed Jesus for more than two years.

Notice the undercurrent of the text. John, the “Son of Thunder,” is keeping the Gospel from moving forward for a number of very human reasons. First, he is not “One of us,” thinks John the Disciple. Second, he is not an authorized representative, like “us,” thinks John. Third, if he has no fellowship with our group, then he has no grounds to represent you, Jesus. (See Numbers 11:26-30)

Jesus quickly responds to John’s misgivings about discipleship with a bold, positive remark. On biblical grounds, one who works in Jesus’ name is not Jesus’ enemy. He who appeals to His authority to see the sinners set free would not soon reject or curse him. (See 1 Corinthians 12:1-3)

Am I building selfish silos or working fields of God’s Grace?

II. A view from heaven’s loft. (v.40)

Verse 40 leaves us with a bit of discernment so we may catch a glimpse of discipleship from heaven’s perspective. We do not want to simply say that anyone who sprinkles Jesus’ name on their activities is doing God’s work. On the opposite side of the same coin, we cannot simply declare that we, and only we, have the monopoly on the truth about the Savior of the World. (See Matthew 12:30-32)

We might read the words of the verse and simply think, why yes, this is as clear as a spring of cool mountain water. The axiom is simply true because Jesus uses it to make a point, but there is a similar proverb in the Jewish community that makes the point a bit more compelling: “A closed door is not so easily opened.”

Jesus is pointing to the obvious, making a clear declaration about this man’s allegiance to Jesus and about who he is in all truth. There is a call to understand that ministry and discipleship are often viewed as a broader camaraderie, not merely as a strict sectarianism that can be present among mere mortals like ourselves.(See Matthew 7:21-23)

Am I building selfish silos or working fields of God’s Grace?

III. Serving for the sake of Jesus’ name. (v.41)

The Scriptures remind us to treat outsiders with kindness, knowing that, like the Hebrews, the Israelites, and the Jews, we are pilgrims on the way home. Here, Jesus draws on this truth to offer an encouraging word for those who follow Him, as much as for those who extend kindness and generosity to those who follow Him. (See Matthew 6:1-6)

Here, Jesus identifies himself as the “Anointed One” of God, or Messiah. This is one of the few places in Mark where this distinctive title is used to drive the point home. Jesus makes clear whose name is on the line and why the reward is so great. (See Proverbs 11:18)

Jesus is teaching a double lesson. First, even the smallest kindness or act of generosity toward those who preach the good news will be rewarded for Jesus’ sake. Second, there is an underlying awareness of suffering for the gospel and for confessing the truth about God’s salvation. (See Matthew 25:39-40)

Am I building selfish silos or working fields of God’s Grace?

IV. Discipleship on Track…

Leads us to community in the Truth.

Keeps our eyes on fields of God’s Grace.

Keeps us humble and makes much of Jesus Christ.

Closing Prayer (Intercession & Confession)