All, For The One (2006)

ALL, FOR THE ONE

Text: Mark 9:38-50

“One of the highlights of the college freshman biology class was the monthly feeding of a caged rattlesnake kept in the laboratory. One time, the entire class gathered around the cage and, in complete silence, watched as the feeding took place. "I'm jealous of the snake," the instructor said. "I never get the class's undivided attention like this." A student answered matter-of-factly, "You would if you could swallow a mouse." (Steve May. The Story File. “Knowing How To Impress People ”. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2000, p. 273). We hear this story and we find it humorous don’t we? Have you ever envied someone who could accomplish something you attempted to accomplish? Jesus’ disciples encountered an episode where they envied who was succeeding where they failed.

When Jesus' disciple John and the rest of the disciples saw a man driving out demons in Jesus' name, they told him to stop because he was not one of them---the twelve (Mark 9:38). It appears that perhaps they were envious of this man for his success where they had failed. Earlier in Mark 9:18 Jesus' twelve disciples had failed in exercising the demon that was in this boy. After Jesus exercised this demon out of the boy, his disciples had asked Jesus why they had failed in a private meeting (Mark 9:28). Jesus answered them and said that this kind can come out only by prayer (Mark 9:29) which is where they had failed. It appears that they had made the plea for the exorcism but lacked the necessary power because they did not pray in the authority of Jesus' name.

As someone has observed "In effect …" Jesus "… said to them "You don't live close enough to God". They had been equipped with power but needed prayer to maintain it". (William Barclay. The Daily Study Bible Series: The Gospel Of Mark. Revised Edition. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975, p. 219). Their effectiveness as Jesus' disciples would not happen by default. They would always have to work at it and pray about it. This exorcist in Mark 9:38 was successful because he had relied upon the Lord's authority to cast out demons as he seems to have prayed in Jesus' name.

NO ROOM FOR RIVALRY

The disciples wrestled with the issue of territoriality in Mark 9:38. The twelve were envious at the success of this one disciple who was not one of the twelve. It was as if they were saying to this disciple, "Stop what you are doing, because you are making us look bad". There are times when Christians of different denominations act the same way as the twelve disciples in Mark 9:38. Denominations are nothing more than a way of worshipping our Lord who gives us the gift of grace. We as Christians are called to be united despite our diversity in denominations, because our denominations will not get us into heaven! Without belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior, who is the way, the truth and the life we cannot get into heaven (John 14:6)! It is said that George Whitefield once made this same point. "George Whitefield, preaching from the Courthouse balcony in Philadelphia, lifting his eyes to heaven cried, "Father Abraham, have you any Episcopalians there?" Answer, "No." "Any Presbyterians?" "No." Any Methodists?" "No." "Who then?" "Only sinners cleansed by the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). (John Ritchie. 500 Gospel Illustrations. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1987, p. 484). When it comes to our purpose as Jesus' disciples, there is no room for rivalry!

Jesus used this opportunity to teach His disciples that there are other disciples besides just them, who are on their team. Henry Ford once said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success". It was here that that Jesus related to the twelve that they had people---disciples who were also team members: "Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:39-40 RSV). This disciple was gathering and not scattering (Matthew 12:30) and was therefore fruitful. Everything that we do as Christian disciples is for our brothers and sisters and would-be brothers and sisters all in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I just recently read the story about one well-known pastor who was envious of another pastor who was well-known and perhaps more influential. "The famous Bible teacher F. B. Meyer often ministered at D. L. Moody's Northfield Bible Conference in Northfield Massachusetts, and he always drew great crowds. But when equally famous G. Campbell Morgan began preaching at Northfield, his stirring Bible studies attracted larger audiences. Meyer confessed to some of his close friends that he was tempted to feel envious of Morgan. "The only way I can conquer my feelings," Meyer said, "is to pray for him daily, which I do". (Robert J. Morgan. Nelson's Complete Book Of Stories, Illustrations, & Quotes. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, p. 272). I admire F. B. Meyer and his openness and honesty with both himself and his close friends.