In Our Group

ByJim Stephens

Scripture: Luke 9:49-50

49 John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” 50 But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50 NLT)

It’s a normal human instinct: we want to know who’s “in” and who’s “out.” The disciples—led by John—were feeling protective of their brand. They saw someone else performing miracles in Jesus’ name and immediately tried to shut it down. Their reasoning? “He isn’t in our group.” They were focused on the membership, but Jesus was focused on the mission.

The Trap of “Us vs. Them”. We often find it easy to celebrate God’s work when it happens within our own circles, our specific churches, or our preferred traditions. But when we see “outsiders” succeeding or people who do things differently than we do, our first reaction can be suspicion or even a desire to stop them.

We tend to create “spiritual silos”. We think that if someone doesn’t use our vocabulary, follow our liturgy, or belong to our specific community, they must be doing it wrong. Jesus’ response is a gentle but firm correction: “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.”

Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom of God is bigger than our organizational charts. If the name of Jesus is being lifted up and people are being set free, we should be cheering—regardless of whether that person has a “badge” from our specific group. God is not limited by our boundaries. God is happy to use anyone who is willing to serve and act in His name.

Check Your Heart: Do you ever feel “territorial” about your faith or your ministry? Does it bother you when someone outside your circle succeeds?

Celebrate the Fruit: Can you look past a person’s “label” today and simply celebrate the good they are doing in the world?

Broaden your View: Who is someone “not in your group” that is clearly working for the cause of Christ? Take a moment to pray for their success.

Prayer:

Father, Please forgive me for the times I’ve tried to gate-keep Your grace. Help me to have a Kingdom heart rather than a tribal heart. Teach me to celebrate Your Spirit wherever I see you moving, even in places and people I didn’t expect. Amen.