Scripture to Read: Luke 9:49–56
God had Luke record a couple of different events in Luke 9:49–56. First, we read in Luke 9:49–50, “John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.’ 50 But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.’” John was upset that someone who was casting out demons was not personally following along with them. Possibly, John and the other disciples were frustrated with this person who was casting out demons. Maybe their pride got in the way again because it revealed to them that other followers of Jesus could cast out demons when they sometimes could not, as we saw recorded in Luke 9:40. Jesus reminded them, though, that if they were not against them, then they were for them. God had Paul record something similar in Philippians 1:15–18, noting that many were preaching Christ from different motives, some even with evil motives, but he chose to rejoice because, either way, Christ was being preached. Then, in Luke 9:51–56, Jesus had sent a couple of His messengers to get a place for them in Samaria, but His messengers came back saying they were unwilling. James and John were ready to call down fire and brimstone on the city. Jesus lovingly rebuked them, saying that He “did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” Christ came to save all, and we must walk with His mind and heart as well.
Challenge & Application
How has your pride gotten in the way of rejoicing in Christ when God used someone else to do what you thought you should be doing?
How are you loving others and especially those who are against Christ right now?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!