We’re looking at what Jesus rebuked the disciples for in Luke 9. This time, he rebukes them for wanting to rebuke someone else!

“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” (Luke 9.49, NIV)

In the footnote, the translator of The Passion Translation attributes the disciples’ behavior to jealousy:

Jealousy blinds our hearts. Nine disciples combined could not cast out a demon spirit, (Luke 9.40) and they were jealous of this one who did.

Jesus simply tells them to cut it out:

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9.50, NIV)

The lesson is simple: recognize and applaud others’ effectiveness.

They don’t get in each other’s way. Each one knows his job and does it. (Joel 2.8, MSG, from Lessons from Locusts that I’ve written about before)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12.4 – 6, ESV)

So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. (Romans 14.12, MSG)