John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he was not accompanying us [as Your disciple].” [Luke 9:49, 50] But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us. [Num 11:27-29] For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will not lose his reward.”

It appears that this man was a follower or another disciple of Jesus. He was filled with God’s power and fighting spiritual battles. So why were the disciples so upset that they stopped him? What motivated this action?

To understand this I think it is helpful to consider what the Jewish ruling class was like at the time, and their mode of operations with regards to competing preachers, teachers, miracle workers, and those who cast out demons. The Pharisees and teachers of the law required years of education, strict adherence to a set of laws, and mentorship of their pupils. When Jesus, who did not study under them and taught differently than them, began his ministry they were threatened and came against him.

Jesus clearly was from God, he quoted scripture all the time, gave God the glory for his work, and his signs and miracles were way beyond anything the Pharisees were doing. But still the Pharisees came against him, persecuted him, and eventually had him hung on a cross.

So the 12 apostles (disciples) were brought up in this hierarchical, rigid ruling system of power and position. This was what they saw all around them. So it is not surprising then that they would think that Jesus would set up a similar system. But Jesus was so much different.

Jesus did not require a hierarchical system of his followers. The tax collectors and prostitutes he served were just as valuable to him as the government leaders and fishermen. To be greater in his Kingdom, his followers had to be servants of all.

So they acted out of ignorance and maybe a little bit of pride, putting down this man doing God’s work. What could the 12 disciples have done when they say this man healing in the name of Jesus? They could have celebrated the work of God! They could have joined him and assisted him in his work. They could have encouraged him and prayed with him. They should have done all of these things.

Lord, teach me to look into the hearts of those I come across. Not to worry about my own position or ministry being threatened, but to embrace your work where it is found. May I enable and encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ!