A Day in the Life
There are days in the life of Jesus when His disciples reveal more about themselves than they perhaps intended. Mark 9:38 records one of those revealing moments. John says, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.” At first glance, this sounds like a commendable concern for doctrinal purity. The disciples appear vigilant, guarding the ministry of Christ from unauthorized participants. But when we slow down and look more carefully, we discover something else at work.
Just prior to this incident, the disciples had failed miserably in casting out a demon from a young boy. Mark 9:28 tells us they privately asked Jesus why they could not drive it out. Matthew’s account includes Jesus’ sobering words: “Because of your unbelief” (Matt. 17:20). The Greek term apistia speaks not merely of doubt but of a deficiency of trust. Their spiritual impotence had just been exposed publicly. And now, rather than grieving their lack of faith, they turn their attention to someone else who was succeeding where they had failed.
It is often easier to police another person’s ministry than to examine our own hearts.
Here was a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name—effectively, fruitfully—yet he did not “follow us,” as John put it. Notice the wording. He did not say, “He does not follow You.” He said, “He does not follow us.” That subtle shift reveals something important. The issue was not loyalty to Christ but alignment with their group. As William Barclay once observed, “The human tendency is to think that no one can do God’s work except ourselves.” That insight still stings.
Jesus’ response is both corrective and freeing. “Do not forbid him” (Mark 9:39). The verb translated “forbid” comes from the Greek kōlyō, meaning to hinder or prevent. Jesus forbids their forbidding. He then adds, “For he who is not against us is on our side” (Mark 9:40). In other words, the kingdom of God is larger than their circle. The Spirit of God is not confined to their familiarity or control.
I have to ask myself: Do I genuinely rejoice when someone else is used by God in ways I wish I were? Or do I quietly measure their success against my own insecurities? Spiritual jealousy can disguise itself as theological concern. We may claim to guard orthodoxy when, in truth, we are protecting our pride. John Calvin wrote, “Nothing is more contrary to the spirit of Christ than envy.” Envy shrinks the kingdom to our comfort zone. Christ expands it to His sovereign purposes.
There is something humbling about this passage. The disciples had been given authority to cast out demons (Matt. 10:8), yet their recent failure exposed their dependency on faith and prayer. Instead of repenting and seeking deeper spiritual vitality, they chose comparison. I recognize that tendency in myself. When I neglect prayer or drift into complacency, it becomes easier to critique someone else’s ministry than to cultivate my own intimacy with Christ.
Jesus gently redirects them—and us. He does not lower the standard of truth. He does not dismiss discernment. But He reveals that the heart posture matters. The kingdom is not a private club. It is the reign of God breaking into the world wherever Christ is genuinely honored. If someone acts in His name and bears fruit consistent with His character, we are invited to celebrate, not suppress.
This moment in the life of Jesus invites me into self-examination. Am I more concerned with protecting my place or promoting His name? Do I view other believers as competitors or companions? Paul echoes a similar spirit in Philippians 1:18 when he says, “What then? Only that in every way… Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice.” That is kingdom maturity—rejoicing that Christ is exalted, even if I am not at the center.
In today’s fragmented church culture, this lesson feels especially relevant. Denominational lines, stylistic differences, and ministry models can become barriers rather than bridges. While doctrinal fidelity remains essential, there is a difference between guarding truth and guarding territory. Jesus invites us to the former and warns us about the latter.
Perhaps the deeper invitation of Mark 9 is this: focus on your faithfulness, not your fame. Seek spiritual depth rather than spiritual dominance. Instead of forbidding others, ask the Spirit to strengthen your own walk. When someone experiences spiritual victory, let it inspire rather than intimidate you.
Today, as I walk with Christ, I want to hold my ministry loosely and His kingdom firmly. I want to celebrate every genuine work of God, whether or not it carries my imprint. If He is being honored and lives are being changed, then I have reason to rejoice.
For further reflection on this passage, consider this helpful article from The Gospel Coalition:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/not-against-us-for-us/
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