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Obvious Things That Hindered Spiritual Progress

Text: Mark 9:38-40, Luke 9:49-50
10 August 2014

JOHN’S QUESTION

1. Saw someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name            Mark 9:38a

2. But he was not one of the disciples            Mark 9:38b

3. We forbade him            Mark 9:38c (Imperfect tense; conative imperfect, “we were seeking to stop him”)

4. Reason: Because he was not following us            Mark 9:38d

5. Dangers:-

a) Sectarianism
b) Abuse of authority
c) No full comprehension of the situation at hand
d) No consultation with Jesus

JESUS’ REPLY

1. Do not forbid him            Mark 9:39 (Present Imperative… Stopping of an action)

a) Direct and immediate answer
b) To stop the disciples from what they were doing
c) To understand the circumstances better before taking action

2. Reasons

a) The individual was able to perform a miracle            Mark 9:39
b) In the name of Christ            Mark 9:39
c) There was little fear that he would turn around and speak evil of Jesus afterwards            Mark 9:39
d) The man was not against Jesus

3. Lesson from Luke

a) Teacher (Didaskale)            Mark 9:38 (didaskalos)
b) Master (Epistata)            Luke 9:49 (epistates)

POEMS BASED ON THE GOSPEL OF MARK

#8 If Anyone Desires to be First

Problem after problem plagued the growth of the Disciples,
There were fears, doubts, and ignorance that threatened to cripple.
Yet they pressed on determinedly with all their might,
Deep down in their hearts, they wanted to do what was right.

They hid personal ambitions for fear of disapproval from the Lord,
They did not know that their desire to be first would be blessed of God.
There was nothing wrong to desire to be the best for the Lord’s Glory,
All too many seek their own glory which would create foolish rivalry.

But what is “greatness” in the glorious Kingdom of the Lord?
Jesus took a little child and embraced him as Love would accord.
This was such a common-place act few deemed it to be worth anything,
If one were to receive a child in Jesus’ name, it would be worth something!

The lesson Jesus sought to teach was wonderfully profound and deep,
It was important to know just how God would view this simple deed.
To receive a child would be likened to having received Jesus the Lord,
And he who received Jesus, would be blessed, for he had received God!

Wherein is the difficulty in learning this seemingly simple lesson?
The human heart thinks that to be great, one must be mighty, so he reasons.
The path to greatness before God is often not clearly seen or understood,
Here was a lesson that would cheer the heart of the humble and brighten his mood.

Inspiration: Mark 9:35