Luke 9:49-50--Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us

Luke 9:49-50
English Standard Version
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Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us
49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

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Once again, the disciples get it wrong and Jesus had to correct them.  They saw someone casting out demons in the name of Jesus (note that they are probably jealous as they just tried to cast out a demon, probably also in the name of Jesus, and it didn't work).  They tried to stop this man from doing his work and ministry because he was not part of their group, as if the man was not allowed to speak in Jesus' name if he was not one of the Twelve.

Jesus said not to try to stop this man who was apparently able to cast out the demons in the name of Jesus, for it is not for us to decide who is friend or foe in these situations...the signs are supposed to tell if their message is genuine and approved by God.  If God has an issue with the one claiming to be His ambassador in a situation like this, then God will deal with such a man.