Mark 9:38-41 “In a Divided World”

Mark 9:38-41 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Make Us One // Jesus Culture // New Song Cafe
• Elevation Worship – The Blessing (Lyrics) ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes
• For the One (Lyric Video) – Brian & Jenn Johnson | After All These Years

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus Forbids Sectarianism | Mark 9:38-41
• Jesus Loves the Little Children – Hi Heaven – Song for Kids
• Priceless Treasure | Treasured VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Love One Another – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

While staying in Capernaum, John reported that he had seen someone who was not one of them casting out demons in the name of Jesus and that he had forbidden him from doing so (v.38). He thought that Jesus would commend him for his actions. However, Jesus told him to let the person be (v.39), because if he is truly casting out demons, then he must be one who believes in him. Jesus stated that such a person could not possibly do any harm to him.

This incident reminds us of the story of the sons of Sceva in Acts 19 (verses 11-20). In Ephesus, they were acting as exorcists, and after seeing Paul cast out demons in the name of Jesus, they thought his method was superior to their own. Believing that the phrase “in the name of Jesus” held some kind of magical power, they attempted to drive out demons using that name. However, the demons responded, saying, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” (v.15). Then, the possessed man attacked them, and they suffered a humiliating defeat.

The person John spoke of truly believed in and depended on Jesus, whereas the sons of Sceva merely used his name as a magical incantation. Calling upon the name of Jesus without faith in his person is meaningless and, to Jesus, even blasphemous.

Then Jesus said, “Whoever is not against us is for us” (v.40). The disciples wanted to keep everything under their control. This is human nature. However, in the kingdom of God, there are no divisions of “your side” or “my side.” Jesus further emphasized, “Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose their reward” (v.41).

Meditation:

Today, we live in an era of extreme polarization. People constantly evaluate whether someone is “on their side” or not. One of the first questions asked of strangers is, “Are you left-wing or right-wing?” If the person seems to share their views, they open their hearts; if there is even the slightest difference, they shut them out. Anyone who is not exactly like them is considered the opposition. Taking it a step further, people attach labels like “radical conservative” or “communist” and demonize those who think differently.

Even those who claim to be believers are not exempt from this issue. In fact, nowadays, believers often tend to be even more narrow-minded, rigid, and exclusive. They mistake this for “strong faith.” In the name of faith, they judge, condemn, and reject those who are different from them.

“Whoever is not against us is for us.” (v.40) This is a verse which we must take to heart. However, today, people tend to think, “Whoever is not for us is against us.” Jesus urges us to embrace others as much as possible through these words. While there is little we can do about those who outright reject and oppose us, we must not turn those who do not openly support us into enemies. Those who believe in God should be generous enough to offer even a cup of water to someone with a different perspective.

Prayer:

Lord, I understand that growing deeper in faith does not mean becoming more narrow-minded but having a greater capacity to embrace others. I now see that being sanctified by the Holy Spirit does not mean building up my own righteousness but instead becoming more sensitive to my own sins and extending greater mercy to others. I also recognize that You expect us to be instruments of peace and reconciliation in this polarized and fragmented world. Oh, Lord, help us grow according to Your expectations. Keep us from participating in division, judgment, and condemnation. Instead, shape us into people who embrace, forgive, and restore. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: In a world that often divides people into “us” and “them,” Jesus teaches us to be kind and open-hearted rather than judging or rejecting those who are different from us. True faith is not about separating ourselves from others but showing love, understanding, and kindness, even to those who may not fully agree.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Have you ever had a time when you didn’t want to play with someone because they were different from you? How did that make you feel?
  • How can we be more like Jesus when we meet someone new at church or school?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Have you ever felt left out because others saw you as “different”? How did it feel?
  • Why do you think people like to choose sides? Do you think Jesus wants us to do that?
• For High School
  • Have you ever hesitated to talk to or befriend someone because they had different opinions or beliefs? How does Jesus challenge that way of thinking?
  • Jesus calls us to be “instruments of peace.” What are some practical ways we can practice that at school, church, or even at home?