Mar 9:38-39 | MHM | STEP | v. 38 : John told Jesus that they had seen someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name who was not part of their group, and they tried to stop him (Mark 9:38 ). The disciples thought only their group could serve Jesus, but Jesus’ grace is not limited to one group of people.

‏ Mark 9:38-39

v. 38: John told Jesus that they had seen someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name who was not part of their group, and they tried to stop him (Mark 9:38 ^a). The disciples thought only their group could serve Jesus, but Jesus’ grace is not limited to one group of people.

v. 39–40: Jesus told them not to forbid the man. He said, He who is not against us is on our side (Mark 9:39-40 ^b). If someone is doing good in Jesus’ name, even if they are not part of our group, we should not stop them. Jesus looks at the heart and the fruit of people’s actions, not only at their group or background.