John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Mark 9:38-40
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:30-50. Excerpts from the third (of four) division (vv38-41):
- For the third division, the title is: "Allegiance to Others."
- "At this point the disciples just aren’t there. Oh, they are zealous, but it is a misplaced zeal, myopic and self-centered. In fact it is downright sinful."
- "The disciples are about to learn that God’s kingdom is bigger than their experience of it. It is so large that anyone who is for Christ is with us."
- In response to the disciples trying to stop someone (though not a disciple) from casting out demons in Jesus' name, Jesus "responds with a strong command, “Don’t stop him.” On the contrary, stop what you are doing! Why? First, anyone doing these things in My name does so by the power of God. It is an evidence of My call on his life (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3). No, do not try to hinder him. Help him. Don’t try to restrain him. Rejoice in and with him."
- We are also referred to Philippians 1:15-18 that aligns with Jesus words from v40.
- V41 exhorts us to serve others as the commentary shares: "[s]ervice to others frees us. It gets our eyes off of us and onto others who need the same Christ we need. An anonymous author said, “World Missions is God’s major therapy for our sin of selfishness that eats the heart out of the local church” (source unknown)."
Believers know that the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:34-40) are to love God then love others. This life is not about us...it's about Him and for Him to get all praise, honor and glory. He is worthy and we exist solely for His purpose.
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My Prayer: You are an awesome God that loves me and who saves! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. I often focus on myself. Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
