What Jesus Did! 'Not One of Us!' — Mark 9:38

Sunday, June 23, 2024

John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group."
— Mark 9:38 NLT

Key Thought

Isn't it amazing how quickly we can split up into our cliques and begin arrogantly doing, as a group, what Jesus had just challenged his disciples not to do as individuals? He told them that the greatest must be a servant to all. [1] We all want to picture ourselves as "insiders" in the Kingdom of God - those who are righteously superior, correct, rightfully included. When others appear to be doing God's good work, we feel threatened rather than delighted. How shallow, how petty, and how un-Jesus, such arrogance is! God forgive us and change us from our small and selfish ways.

[1] Mark 9:30-37.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, I love you. However, I have to admit that I frustrate myself with my own selfish and petty loyalties and pride, even though I hate those traits in others. I need your help, Father, to hate them in myself and remove them from my own heart. Please help me be more open, just as your Son was while on the earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Do Not Stop Him!
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"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..."
Don't Stop Him!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." "Don't..."
Can We Find Truth?
Article by Phil Ware
Is there truth that can be trusted? Jesus is the only absolute -- truth is found only in him.
Loving the Person Who Isn't 'One of Us'
Article by Rubel Shelly
Who do you believe is Rubel Shelly writes about the serious subject of unity and division and the way we view and deal with those who are not one of us.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:38 NLT — John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, June 23, 2024

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Your Faithfulness Surrounds You!' (Ps. 89:8-9)
"Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by J. R. Miller:
"God does not give His grace as He gives His sunshine - pouring it out on all alike. He discriminates in spiritual blessings. He gives strength according to our..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Discerning, not Deceived' (Co. 2:4-7)
"Dear Father, my rock, Help me to think clearly with discernment. Keep me from being taken in by the beguiling speech of deceivers. Give me great joy...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul Takes Charge' (Acts 27:21-25)
"[Paul and his companions were caught on a ship that was storm-tossed and about to break up.] No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!