John's concern wasn't primarily that the man wasn't following Jesus, but that he wasn't following them. This reveals a subtle but crucial shift from loyalty to Jesus to loyalty to their own group, highlighting a common human tendency to protect our own circle rather than celebrating God's work wherever it appears.
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. For the one who is not against us is for us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just been teaching His disciples about the importance of humility and welcoming others, even the "little ones," into His kingdom. John, prompted by Jesus' words, brings up an incident where he and the other disciples stopped someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name simply because that person wasn't part of their specific group. This reveals their tendency toward exclusivity and a desire to protect their own recognized status within Jesus' ministry.
John reports an encounter where someone was casting out demons. What's striking is how they were doing it – in Jesus' name. This reveals something profound about the reach of Jesus' authority.
Jesus’ name held a unique power. Even those outside His immediate circle recognized this and used it to perform miracles.
The disciples' immediate reaction to this miracle-worker was to forbid him. Why? The reason might be surprisingly familiar: 'because he was not following us.'
John and the other disciples reveal a subtle but dangerous tendency: a zealous protection of their own group, mistaking it for loyalty to Jesus.
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Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
A spiritual being, an agent of the kingdom of darkness, who opposes God and oppresses humanity; casting them out manifests the authority and power of God's Kingdom.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Miraculous acts or signs that demonstrate the power of God at work, intended to reveal the presence of the Kingdom of God and authenticate the message or messenger.
kakologeō · Greek Verb
To slander, blaspheme, or speak injurious words against someone, especially used in the Bible regarding speaking against God or His work.
This incident highlights the early church's struggle with exclusivity and partisanship. John and the other disciples were so focused on their own group that they tried to stop someone who was authentically performing miracles in Jesus' name, revealing a tension between loyalty to Jesus and loyalty to their specific group.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, Samaria, and Judea, teaching, healing, and casting out demons. His disciples, including John, accompany him and participate in his ministry.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Sends Out Disciples
Jesus commissions the twelve apostles and later the seventy, empowering them to heal and cast out demons in his name. This period sees numerous followers performing miracles.
c. AD 30
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus and his disciples are traveling towards Jerusalem. During this time, Jesus is teaching them about humility and the nature of discipleship, including the incident with the man casting out demons.
This passage, also found in Luke, records the same conversation, highlighting the disciples' possessiveness and Jesus' gentle correction about not hindering those who do good in His name.
Matthew 12:27Jesus previously addressed a similar situation when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by Beelzebub, indicating that if His power worked through others, it pointed to Him, not against Him.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11This passage discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts given by the one Spirit, reminding us that God distributes His power and abilities in various ways, not always confined to one specific group.
Philippians 1:18Paul expresses joy even when Christ is proclaimed out of envy or rivalry, showing a broader perspective on the advancement of the Gospel that values Christ's glory above the motives of those proclaiming it.
bengelMark 9:38: "And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us."
Mark 9:38 . Ἀπεκρίθη , answered ) The connection of the words of John with the preceding words of Jesus is manifold. The power of the name of Christ is asserted in the words of both, Mark 9:37-38 ; Mark 9:41 . The disciples had previously discussed with one another, which among them should be the greater: now they are made to per…
calvinMark 9:38-40: "And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us."
- And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he followeth him, because he followeth not us. 39. And Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no man who, if he has performed a miracle in my name, can easily speak evil of me. 40. For he…
John's concern wasn't primarily that the man wasn't following Jesus, but that he wasn't following them. This reveals a subtle but crucial shift from loyalty to Jesus to loyalty to their own group, highlighting a common human tendency to protect our own circle rather than celebrating God's work wherever it appears.
Jesus has just been teaching His disciples about the importance of humility and welcoming others, even the "little ones," into His kingdom. John, prompted by Jesus' words, brings up an incident where he and the other disciples stopped someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name simply because that person wasn't part of their specific group. This reveals their tendency toward exclusivity and a desire to protect their own recognized status within Jesus' ministry.
Jesus has just been teaching His disciples about the importance of humility and welcoming others, even the "little ones," into His kingdom. John, prompted by Jesus' words, brings up an incident where he and the other disciples stopped someone from casting out demons in Jesus' name simply because that person wasn't part of their specific group. This reveals their tendency toward exclusivity and a desire to protect their own recognized status within Jesus' ministry.
"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 afterw…" — John's concern wasn't primarily that the man wasn't following Jesus, but that he wasn't following them. This reveals a subtle but crucial shift from loyalty to Jesus to loyalty to their own group…
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Last reviewed October 2026
