By Kathleen Bordo Crombie

“John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me.  For he that is not against us is for us.” ~ Mark 9:38-40

There is great power in the name of Jesus! Simply by uttering His name, demons flee. The disciples of Christ knew this first-hand. They saw his miraculous works personally.  Many of the disciples experienced this very same power when Jesus intentionally sent them out two-by-two.  Jesus did not go with the disciples this time.  Instead, by his authority, in other words, in his name, they were able to cast out many evil spirits and cure the sick.

He Does Not Follow Us

In today’s Gospel, John said to Jesus, speaking for the disciples, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”  Were they being protective of their rabbi and his ministry?  Were they surprised that someone who didn’t walk daily with Jesus was able to drive out demons the same as they did?  Or were they jealous?  It was probably a combination of all those things.  But it’s interesting that the reason given was “because he does not follow us.”  There’s some superiority, perhaps, in that statement.  John didn’t say, “because the man does not follow you, Lord.”

What’s the Big Deal?

It’s no secret that the disciples were loyal to Jesus, but they thought merely as mortal men.  Jesus, on the other hand, responded to them in ways they did not always understand.  In this case, Jesus tells them not to prevent this unknown exorcist from driving out demons in his name.  We’re kidding ourselves if we don’t think the disciples grumbled. They were undoubtedly surprised and most likely not happy with Jesus’ response.  Most of us would probably have reacted the same way.  But since the man was doing good works in the name of Jesus and not his own name, Jesus was essentially saying, What’s the big deal, boys? This man is not my enemy or yours. He’s expelling demons in my name, just as you did. This man obviously has great faith. So Jesus tells his disciples to back off and not cause this man to lose the faith he has and/or to sin because he believes in Jesus, and that’s the crucial step towards discipleship.

Then, the tables turned in a way the disciples did not expect. In reality, they wanted Jesus to chastise this guy and make him stop immediately. But that’s not what happened.  Jesus warned the disciples that if they “put a stumbling block” before someone like this, only damnation would follow!

This was a serious teaching from Jesus that we, too, should hear well.  The truth is always necessary to share with others, but always in charity and mercy.  There is a great need for us to be open to all those who receive the Gospel message. We must remember that Jesus died to save all mankind, not just us.  Don’t be a stumbling block to those who believe in Jesus Christ, but rather a witness and guide on the path of discipleship.

Prayer

Lord, you have taught us that there is great power in simply speaking your name.  In the name of Jesus, we know that demons flee, the sick are healed, and prayers are answered.  Please command our guardian angels to help us remember the power in your name and call upon you for all our daily needs and offerings in this life.

Call to Action

Who can you pray for today, in the name of Jesus, to grow stronger in their faith?  What is the one stumbling block before them and how can you help roll it away to clear their path towards discipleship?

© 2024 WINE — All Rights Reserved