Jesus’ view of discipleship was far more inclusive than the narrow view held by the Twelve or even some of us. Jesus did take Peter, James and John with him up the mountain where they met with Moses and Elijah (Mark 9:2-13). Not too many folks are privileged to stand in such company. The Three must be really special to mingle with God’s V.I.P.s of the Old Testament!
The Apostle’s elation did not last too long, though. They failed to cast out a demon after coming down from the Mount of Transfiguration (9:14-29), and to understand what Jesus meant about his death, burial and resurrection (9:31-32). Instead, they argued about who was the greatest (9:33-37). It sounds like something we would do ourselves!
The last straw must have been broken when an unknown believer did what they could not. “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us” (9:38).
Ouch! That must have really hurt to see the success of someone who was not a part of their elite group. Maybe they called the believer a pretender or a false imitation of a “real” disciple. Maybe they called him a false teacher or even worse—an enemy of God. Surely that man must be exposed, marked and destroyed! Therefore, they told Jesus.
“Do not stop him,” 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” (9:39-40). May we love and appreciate all believers who love and obey the Lord, Jesus Christ.
