Mark 9:38-41
Someone Else Was Doing It Too
Read the passage
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.
41Indeed, if anyone gives you even a cup of water because you bear the name of Christ, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
John reports that the disciples tried to stop someone driving out demons in Jesus’ name. His stated reason is that the man does not accompany their group. Jesus tells them not to stop him.
The correction challenges a boundary the disciples have drawn. Jesus says someone doing a mighty work in His name will not quickly speak against Him. The person they are opposing is not presented as an enemy of Christ.
A similar dispute appears in Numbers. Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp rather than at the tent, and Joshua asks Moses to stop them. Moses asks whether Joshua is jealous for his sake and wishes that all the LORD’s people would receive His Spirit. God’s work is not made wrong by occurring beyond the place an insider expects.
Jesus then speaks of a much smaller act: someone giving the disciples a cup of water because they belong to Christ. That kindness will not lose its reward. Both the mighty work and the simple drink are considered in relation to Him.
We still need discernment about teaching and conduct. This passage does not make every claim to act in Jesus’ name trustworthy. It does forbid making membership in our own group the test of whether another person can serve Him. Christ is the center; our control is not.
How We Know
Numbers names Eldad and Medad and records Joshua’s request that Moses stop them prophesying in the camp. Moses refuses. The comparison with John’s complaint illuminates the danger of restricting God’s work to an insider’s expectations; the two events remain distinct.
Questions
1 What reason does John give for stopping the man?
AnswerHe does not accompany their group. John’s stated objection is about association with the disciples, not a false teaching he has identified.
2 How does Jesus correct them?
AnswerHe tells them not to stop the man and explains that someone doing a mighty work in His name will not quickly speak against Him.
3 What similar situation appears in Numbers?
AnswerJoshua wants Eldad and Medad stopped from prophesying in the camp. Moses refuses that narrow response and wishes for the LORD’s Spirit upon all His people.
4 What does the cup of water teach us?
AnswerA small kindness offered because someone belongs to Christ matters to Him. Service does not need to be spectacular to be recognized by the Lord.
What This Means for Us
A church or family can become so protective of its own way of serving that good work elsewhere feels threatening. Jesus’ correction invites us to judge by allegiance to Him rather than by whether we control the work.
Give thanks for faithful service beyond your own circle. You can learn from it without pretending every difference is unimportant. And offer the small kindness already within reach; the Lord who recognizes a cup of water does not overlook ordinary care.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make us glad when others serve You faithfully. Guard us from confusing our group with the whole of Your people. Help us offer even small acts of care because we belong to You. Amen.