Classic Problems That The Disciples Faced Series

Jesus drops a bombshell on them when knowing of their dispute takes a small child and points out to them the principles of true greatness.

In verse forty-seven tells us, “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him,” Jesus uses as an example of greatness is a little child, dependent, teachable, and trusting. A child although cherished in Jewish society was the smallest and most powerless individual in Hebrew culture. In verse forty-eight he says, "Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great."

He is not saying that the disciples or anyone else could find him through being nice to children. But He is saying that how they relate to a child and anyone of lowly status would indicate whether they had a relationship with Him. By a willingness to receive the lowly we demonstrate that we have received him.

Pride is an unusual sin, in that we cannot see it in ourselves but is detected and detested in others. We can even become proud that we are Christians. When we are saved there are positive changes in our lives. We can over time become proud of how spiritual we are. Sometimes this is seen in a air of condescension of others or smiling hostility of the world. Although pride cannot be seen it certainly can be smelled, especially by those outside the church. The stench of pride among Christians has kept untold multitudes away from the church and a true knowledge of Christ.

They Suffered From A Lack of Unity and

5. Suffered From the Lack of Tolerance

(vv. 49-50)

To add to their humiliation while they were not able to cast out a demon from the boy, they came across a man who was successfully performing exorcism, and he wasn’t even a part of their group (v. 49). There is more a hint of jealousy in the fact that this man was successful in doing what they had so recently and conspicuously failed to do.

Sometimes we think that the disciples were different from us, a look at the competitiveness and jealousy of the disciples show us that they are just like us!

In verse forty-nine we read, “Now John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us." (50) But Jesus said to him, "Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side."

It is probable that the disciples expected Jesus to be angry but he was not. Instead he said, “It does matter to me if he is a part of our group our not. All that matters is he doing what God wants him to do.”

The disciples displayed a surprising lack of love for those outside of their group. It is a dangerous thing to presume that God uses no other work but ours. It fosters pride and pettiness. The ministry is not a copyrighted monopoly. Believer’s that think that their little group is the only group that God recognizes and blesses are in for a shock when they get to heaven.

It is interesting to note apparently the disciples had been unsuccessful in stopping this man’s ministry for the implication of the disciple’s is that “tried” to stop this man.