John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.
John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, told Jesus that they had seen someone outside of their immediate group casting out demons in Jesus’ name and they tried to stop him. Jesus explained to the disciples that anyone who performs miracles in his name acknowledges his power and authority and cannot simultaneously oppose him. Therefore, they should not try to stop such a person because his power comes from God through Christ indicating that both the disciples and the man are working towards the same goal of growing the Kingdom of God. Jesus emphasized that it is through the Holy Spirit that such deeds are performed and those who do not oppose the work of the Gospel are contributing to it. He also assured them that the smallest act of kindness rendered in his name would be rewarded.
The effectiveness of the exorcism suggests that the exorcist had faith in Jesus and recognized his authority. Throughout the Gospel, faith in Jesus is linked to the efficacy of his miracles (Mk. 5:34; 9:14-29; 10:52). Although Jesus had not explicitly granted divine authority in this case, it appears that it was implicitly granted to the exorcist. Jesus recognized and affirmed the work done in his name, foretelling the universality of his mission. His power is not confined to a specific group but is available to all who truly believe in him and act in his name. The power of Jesus’ name is intrinsically linked to his divine nature and to invoke it effectively requires genuine faith and a sincere acknowledgment that he is Lord. For the Church to grow, Jesus needed work to be done by disciples beyond his immediate group of followers (Mt. 9:37-38).
Almighty God, grant us the wisdom to recognize Your power and authority in all who work in your name. Help us to see Your hand at work beyond our immediate circles, and may we be united in support of all who are trying to expand Your Kingdom and bring glory to Your name. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
__________________________________
Sources:
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
Comments