Luke 9:49-50

Applebury's Comments

The Unknown Miracle Worker
Scripture

Luke 9:49-50 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. 50 But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you.

Comments

one casting out demons in thy name.They had just gone through the experience that taught them that no man could cast out demons except in relation to Jesus. This one whom they had forbidden was casting out a demon in His name. It, therefore, was not pretense as in the case of certain Jewish exorcists (Acts 19:13).

we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.Their pride was offended. It was not a question of relieving the demon-possessed person; it was simply that he did not follow with these disciples.

Jesus said unto him, forbid him not.Since he was doing the work in the name of Christ, he was not to be forbidden. This is the real basis for unity of action, each one acting in the name of Christ, And to act in the name of Christ is to act by His authority. He that is not against you is for you. Even the one who does such a lowly task as giving a cup of cold water because he belongs to Christ shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:41).