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Monica Leary

Fall 2011

Hermeneutics Special Topic:

“He Who is Not Against Us is on Our Side”

(Mark 9:38-45)

In the book of Mark 9:38-45, we see the disciples complaining to Jesus about a

man that they saw who was not one of the twelve disciples driving out evil spirits in his

name. Jesus’ response was to not to stop him. For Jesus said, “No one who does a

miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is

not against us is for us.” In other words, Jesus was saying that if a man was doing good

by driving out evil spirits, then he must be good because Satan, representing the evil

spirit, would not drive himself out. Even though the man may not have been in the

company of Jesus and the twelve disciples, the man’s work was consistent with Jesus’

authority and purpose and therefore he was on Jesus side.

Jesus further reminds the disciples that they should not lose sight of their 

purpose and the reason they were called which was to serve and spread the gospel.

He tells the disciples in Mark 9:41 that “…anyone who gives you a cup of water in my

name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” In this example,

Jesus shows the disciples that the one giving the drink not only acts as a servant, but

he does it in Jesus name, therefore it is good and he will be rewarded. Jesus reminds

the disciples that since they are to be devoted to service, they should never do anything

that would cause another to stumble. In Mark 9:42 Jesus says, “And if anyone causes

one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown

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into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” Therefore, Jesus did not want

the disciplines to oppose “those that are against us”, but rather encourage them so they

will continue to do good in his name.

We also see in Philippians 1:15-18 when Paul is in prison there were some who

may have been preaching under false motives. Paul responses by saying, “It is true

that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do

so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. Paul goes on to

say that, “The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that

they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The

important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is

preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Therefore, what I believe Paul is trying to

convey is that we should value the truth of the gospel more than we value the attitudes

of those who preach it. God is so good that he can use anyone and situation to

advantage the Gospel if he so desires. As Christians in the body of Christ,

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Sources:

Women of Faith Study Bible – NIV Version

www.Biblegateway.com

www.biblia.com

www.bibleanswers.com