49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (Luke 9:49-50 KJV)
Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us
Later, the disciples tried to stop someone from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t part of their group (Luke 9:49). This man wasn’t among the twelve or even the seventy, but he had heard Christ and acted in faith. The disciples were quick to silence him because he didn’t follow with them or associate with their group.
Jesus corrected them: “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you” (Luke 9:50). Though this man didn’t follow Christ in their company, he served the same Lord and advanced the same kingdom. Jesus urged them to recognize God’s work beyond their own circle.
This lesson reminds us that not all who follow Christ must do so in the same way or within the same visible fellowship. When someone is working in Christ’s name, sincerely honoring him and doing good, we should not oppose them. Much harm in the church could be avoided if this truth were more often remembered.