New Testament · Gospel

Mark 9:38

Coming Down the Mountain

John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” Mark 9:38 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 9:38, in plain English

John said, 'Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name and we tried to stop him because he's not part of our group.'

Why it's here

It's so human to think 'if they're not with us, they're against us.' But Jesus is about to show that His kingdom is bigger than any one group.

Who's speaking

John reports what happened, expecting Jesus to agree with their actions.

Where it sits in the story

John thought he was doing the right thing by protecting the brand. But he was about to learn that Jesus' work can't be contained by any one group or organization.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

John's report of the unauthorized exorcist raises the issue of institutional boundaries. The phrase 'he does not follow us' (ouk ēkolouthei hēmin) reveals a sectarian impulse — defining legitimacy by group membership.

Language and setting

This episode challenges exclusivism: someone outside the Twelve is effectively using Jesus' name, creating a tension between institutional identity and authentic spiritual power.

Voice

John reports to Jesus about an outsider performing exorcisms in Jesus' name.

Significance

John, perhaps hoping for Jesus' approval, reports that the disciples tried to stop an unauthorized exorcist operating in Jesus' name. The concern is about control and boundary-setting.

In context

Mark 9:36–40

36Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them,

37“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.”

38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

39“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.

40For whoever is not against us is for us.

Read all of Mark 9 — Dazzling glory on the mountaintop gives way to a demon-possessed boy at the bottom. The disciples can't handle either scene.

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