Disciple Someone – Christ Commands

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Mark 9:38–41

38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone who doesn’t follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Don’t forbid him, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name and be able quickly to speak evil of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name because you are Christ’s, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.

World English Bible

Luke

Luke 9:49–50

49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he doesn’t follow with us.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Don’t forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.”

World English Bible

The disciples try to stop an exorcist who is not following with their group; Jesus corrects their possessiveness about ministry.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

What does Jesus command?
What does this passage reveal about Him?
Where do we resist this command?
What is difficult or unclear?
How can we resist tribal gatekeeping while still testing teaching, character, and fruit?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Identify one faithful ministry outside your network and offer a specific encouragement, prayer, resource, or act of cooperation.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

Whom did you stop treating as a competitor, and what cooperation or encouragement followed?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Jesus, free us from jealousy and control. Help us recognize and support your faithful work beyond our group.

Teach

Do not turn 'not against us' into approval of every claim; Jesus addresses exclusion based on group belonging in a context of work done in His name.