Ellen White and Pioneers on Mark 9:38-40

Mark 9:38-40

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:38-40 teaches that Christ’s followers must maintain a far-reaching sympathy and avoid a narrow, exclusive spirit toward those who labor for God in ways that differ from their own methodsDA 437.5+1.

The Danger of a Narrow and Exclusive Spirit

The disciples, specifically John, manifested a spirit of self-preferment and jealousy when they forbade a man from casting out devils simply because he was not part of their immediate companyAA 543.3+1. They thought they were defending the Lord's honor, but they were actually being jealous for their ownHLv 296.2+1. Jesus rebuked this attitude, teaching that no one who performs a miracle in His name can easily speak evil of Him Mark 9:39. This experience serves as a warning against the human tendency toward pharisaism and the desire to control the labor of others5T 461.2+1.

Principles of Christian Unity and Diversity

The work of God is vast, and He employs a variety of gifts and methods to reach different classes of people6MR 238.2+1.

• Individuality in Service: God gives to every person their work according to their specific abilityST February 7, 1900, par. 2+1.

• Avoiding Condemnation: We are not justified in forbidding or discouraging someone from laboring for God just because they do not conform to our personal opinions or methodsDA 437.5+1.

• Cooperation over Control: Leading brethren should not lay hands on the humblest worker to demand they labor only in a specific channel; rather, they should strengthen their hands5T 461.2.

• The Test of Character: If a worker's life and character are exemplary, they should be encouraged to work in whatever capacity they can5T 461.2+1.

Far-Reaching Sympathy

Christ is the Great Teacher, and every soul willing to be used is a channel through which He reveals His loveDA 437.5.

• Learning from Christ: Instead of judging or commanding others, followers of Christ should sit humbly at His feet to learn His ways Matthew 11:29DA 437.5.

• Recognizing Friends of Truth: Anyone who is not against Christ is considered to be on His part Mark 9:40.

• Tenderness for Souls: We must be careful not to discourage "light bearers" and thereby intercept the rays of light God intends for the worldDA 437.5.

• Broadening our Influence: A spirit of harmony and love in labor provides the most convincing evidence of faith in ChristRH September 23, 1909, par. 9.

Applying the Lesson Today

This historical account is highly relevant for modern medical missionary workers, ministers, and teachers4MR 376.3+1.

• Collaborative Effort: Medical missionaries and ministers are called to unite in soul-saving work rather than working independently or in opposition4MR 376.3+1.

• Removing Prejudice: Cultivating kindness and Christian courtesy helps to win souls and break down walls of superstitionTSS 32.2+1.

• Maintaining Focus: The third angel's message is the grand, ennobling truth that should unite the church in fellowship and loveHS 122.3.

• God's Sovereignty: Ultimately, God is the one who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, and we are merely His helping hand Philippians 2:134BC 1151.3+1.

Mark 9:38-40

38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.

39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our part.

The pioneers teach that Mark 9:38-40 is a vital lesson on Christian character, warning against a narrow, sectarian spirit that seeks to exclude others who are sincerely working for God Mark 9:38-40SSP 14.3. This scripture highlights that the work of God is broader than any single denomination and that we must recognize the fruits of the Spirit wherever they are found Mark 9:39GCDB March 19, 1891, page 162.13.

The Danger of Sectarianism

• A Lesson in Love: The story of the disciples' interaction with the man casting out devils is an object lesson in the development of Christian character and how love should work within the heartSSP 14.3.

• The Error of the Disciples: John and the other disciples showed a spirit of exclusivity by forbidding the man's work simply because he did not follow their specific group Mark 9:38SSP 14.3.

• Christ's Gentle Rebuke: Jesus corrected them by stating that no one doing a miracle in His name can lightly speak evil of Him, establishing the principle that those not against us are on our part Mark 9:39-40SSP 14.3.

Breadth of the True Church

• Recognizing God's Blessing: There are various organizations that do not hold the truth exactly as Seventh-day Adventists do, yet God is clearly blessing them as they perform a good work, especially in mission fieldsGCDB March 19, 1891, page 162.13.

• The Body of Christ: The true church, which constitutes the body of Christ, is broader than any specific organization and includes all those who are earnestly seeking to know and follow JesusGCDB March 19, 1891, page 162.13+1.

• Gospel Work Beyond Borders: Propositional policies that would exclude non-church organizations from gospel work are contrary to the spirit of Christ's teaching in this passageGCDB March 19, 1891, page 162.13.

The Spirit of Cooperation

• Avoiding Pride: Pioneers expressed humility and distress over any lack of spirituality, emphasizing that having the truth should lead to greater love rather than boastingARSH August 25, 1859, page 110.13.

• Support for Others: Rather than forbidding those who differ, believers should recognize that anyone working in the name of Christ is a potential ally in the struggle against evil Mark 9:39.

• Character Over Methods: The life and transformation wrought by the Spirit is the true measure of a worker's acceptance before God, rather than their outward affiliation with a specific company of believersSSP 14.3.

Unity in the Last Days

• Divine Guidance: In these last days, God is leading a peculiar people, but this does not justify a judgmental attitude toward those who have not yet seen the full light of the third angel's message Revelation 14:12ARSH August 25, 1859, page 110.13.

• The Role of the Spirit: Just as the Spirit worked through the fisherman John to transform his heart, the same Spirit works through various channels to accomplish God's purposes in the worldSSP 14.3.

• Final Appeal: We are called to be ministers of grace, showing the same tolerance and sympathy that Christ showed to those who were acting in His name without being part of the twelve 1 Peter 4:10ARSH May 9, 1899, page 298.11.