MARK 9:38-41
ANOTHER EXORCIST
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Mark 9:38–41
38 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.
40 For whoever is not against us is for us.
41 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.”
Historical and Jewish Context
At this point in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus continues His instruction on discipleship and humility. John’s concern reflects a common attitude among the Jewish religious groups of the time, who often defined righteousness by membership and affiliation. In the ancient Jewish context, exorcism was known among various religious teachers, and the use of a divine name was considered a source of spiritual power. John’s objection arises because the man performing exorcisms was not part of their immediate circle of disciples.
Jesus, however, corrects this narrow perspective, emphasizing that God’s work is not limited to one group or visible boundary. His response—“Do not prevent him”—reveals that anyone acting in faith and invoking His name for good participates, in some measure, in His mission. The statement “Whoever is not against us is for us” contrasts sharply with the exclusivism of the Pharisees and affirms that divine grace can operate outside visible structures, as long as it is directed toward good and truth.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this passage highlights the universality of Christ’s mission and the inclusive nature of God’s grace. Jesus teaches that authentic acts done in His name, even by those not formally within the visible Church, possess spiritual value and can contribute to the building of the Kingdom. This anticipates the Church’s teaching in Lumen Gentium (Vatican II), which recognizes that elements of truth and sanctification exist beyond the Catholic Church, through the working of the Holy Spirit.
The mention of giving “a cup of water” underscores the importance of even the smallest act of charity performed out of love for Christ. Such gestures, though simple, are eternally significant when done in faith. The passage calls believers to avoid jealousy, competition, or spiritual pride, reminding them that God’s mission is greater than any single ministry or denomination. The unity of believers must rest not on external uniformity but on shared fidelity to Christ’s name and His love.
Parallels in Scripture
Numbers 11:26–29 – Moses rebukes Joshua for jealousy over others prophesying: “Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets!”
Matthew 12:30 – “Whoever is not with me is against me.” (A complementary teaching showing context-dependent meaning.)
Luke 9:49–50 – Parallel account emphasizing openness and unity.
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 – The same Spirit works through diverse gifts for the common good.
Philippians 1:15–18 – Paul rejoices that Christ is proclaimed, even by those with differing motives.
Key Terms
In your name: Acting with faith and invoking the authority of Christ.
Do not prevent him: A command for openness and generosity toward others doing good.
Cup of water: Symbol of simple yet meaningful charity offered in Christ’s love.
Reward: Eternal recognition from God for sincere acts of faith and mercy.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is read during Ordinary Time to remind the faithful of the unity of all who serve Christ in sincerity. It inspires ecumenical openness and cooperation among Christians, emphasizing that God’s grace extends beyond institutional boundaries. The Church uses this teaching to encourage humility in ministry and respect for diverse charisms within the Body of Christ. Every work done in Christ’s name, no matter how small, becomes a participation in His redemptive mission.
Conclusion
Jesus broadens the disciples’ understanding of divine mission. True discipleship welcomes all who act in His name and promotes love over rivalry. Even a small act of kindness offered because of faith in Christ carries eternal value. The Church’s mission, therefore, is to encourage good wherever it is found and to recognize God’s hand working through all who love and serve truth.
Reflection
Do I ever feel jealous or critical of others who do good in Christ’s name? The Lord calls me to rejoice in every work of grace, no matter who performs it, for all good comes from Him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open my heart to rejoice in the good that others do in Your name. Remove from me all envy and pride. Help me to see every act of love and service as part of Your divine work in the world. Grant that I may perform even the smallest deeds with great love, knowing that nothing done for You will be lost. Amen.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
In this episode, John approaches Jesus with a concern that seems rooted in loyalty but reveals a narrow understanding of discipleship. He reports that the disciples tried to stop someone who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name because the man was not part of their immediate circle of followers.
This moment highlights the human tendency toward tribalism and exclusivity within religious communities. John and the others felt a sense of “ownership” over Jesus’ name and authority, failing to recognize that God’s grace and power can operate through people and in ways that exist outside of our visible structures or personal expectations.
Mark 9:38 — “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.’”
This verse reveals a subtle but significant misunderstanding of discipleship. John speaks sincerely, yet his words expose an exclusivist attitude. The concern is not that the work is ineffective or harmful, but that the person does not belong to their immediate group. Authority is measured by membership rather than by faithfulness to Jesus’ name.
The contrast with the previous teaching is deliberate. Jesus has just identified greatness with humble service and openness to the least. Now the disciples reveal a desire to control access to Jesus’ mission. “In your name” acknowledges the genuine power at work, yet “because he does not follow us” shifts the focus from Christ to the group. The pronoun reveals the problem.
This verse shows that zeal can coexist with insecurity. The disciples fear losing uniqueness or status, even when God’s work is clearly present. Jesus will respond by widening their understanding of how God acts beyond visible boundaries.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the Jewish world, authority to act in a teacher’s name was taken seriously. Unauthorized use of a name could be viewed as presumptuous or dangerous. However, successful exorcism was seen as evidence of divine favor.
Groups often defined themselves by clear boundaries. John’s reaction reflects a common instinct to protect identity and authority within a recognized circle.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse addresses the temptation to confuse Christ’s mission with institutional control. While the Church safeguards doctrine and sacramental life, God’s grace is not confined by human boundaries. Wherever Christ’s name is genuinely invoked in faith, His power can be at work.
This verse also challenges attitudes of rivalry within ministry. The Church teaches that authentic works done in Christ’s name, even outside one’s immediate circle, must be discerned with humility and gratitude rather than fear.
Key Terms
Teacher — recognition of Jesus’ authority
In your name — genuine invocation of Christ
Prevent — attempt to control God’s work
Does not follow us — exclusivism, group-centered thinking
Conclusion
Mark 9:38 exposes the disciples’ lingering attachment to exclusivity and control. Though sincere, their concern reveals a misunderstanding of the breadth of God’s action. Jesus will now expand their vision beyond “us” to the larger work of God’s Kingdom.
Reflection
Do I measure God’s work by my own group or expectations? Am I threatened when Christ works through others outside my familiar circles?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, free my heart from jealousy and narrow vision. Help me rejoice wherever Your name brings healing and freedom. Teach me to serve Your Kingdom with humility, openness, and trust in Your wider work. Amen.
Mark 9:39 — “Jesus replied, ‘Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.’”
This verse reveals Jesus’ generous and expansive vision of God’s work. In response to the disciples’ attempt to control who may act in His name, Jesus firmly corrects them. The command “Do not prevent him” shifts the focus from exclusion to discernment. What matters is not group membership, but fidelity to the power and name of Jesus.
Jesus acknowledges the reality of good already being done. A “mighty deed” performed in His name bears fruit and creates openness to truth. Authentic action in Christ’s name cannot easily coexist with hostility toward Him. Where God’s power is at work, hearts are already being turned toward Christ, even if full discipleship has not yet taken shape.
This teaching reveals Jesus’ patience with gradual growth. He recognizes that belonging can precede understanding. Rather than restricting God’s action, Jesus invites trust that the Spirit works beyond visible boundaries.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the ancient world, invoking a name carried authority and accountability. To act in someone’s name implied alignment with that person’s mission. Jesus’ words affirm that genuine use of His name is not neutral but transformative.
Jewish tradition recognized that deeds of power signified God’s favor. Jesus builds on this understanding to argue for openness rather than suspicion.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse affirms the Church’s teaching on the breadth of God’s grace. While the fullness of salvation subsists in the Catholic Church, elements of truth and sanctification can be found outside her visible boundaries. Wherever Christ’s name is honored sincerely, the Spirit can be at work.
This verse also guides pastoral discernment. The Church is called not to stifle good done in Christ’s name, but to recognize, accompany, and guide it toward fullness of truth.
Key Terms
Do not prevent — openness to God’s action
Mighty deed — visible sign of divine power
In my name — authentic reference to Christ
Speak ill — opposition incompatible with grace
Conclusion
Mark 9:39 teaches that God’s work cannot be confined by human boundaries. Jesus calls His disciples to recognize genuine good wherever it appears and to trust the transforming power of His name.
Reflection
Do I rejoice when good is done in Christ’s name, even outside my familiar structures? Am I open to recognizing God’s grace at work beyond my expectations?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, broaden my heart to recognize Your work wherever Your name brings healing and good. Free me from fear and possessiveness, and teach me to trust the generous movement of Your Spirit. Amen.
Mark 9:40 — “For whoever is not against us is for us.”
This verse offers a concise and powerful principle that governs Jesus’ response to questions of belonging and ministry. Jesus reframes the disciples’ concern by shifting from exclusion to alignment. The standard is no longer formal association but orientation of the heart and action. Those who are not opposing Christ’s mission are, in a real sense, participating in it.
The statement encourages generosity of spirit. Jesus recognizes that discipleship and cooperation with God’s work can exist in forms that are incomplete yet sincere. Rather than demanding immediate conformity, Jesus acknowledges partial openness as genuine movement toward the Kingdom.
This verse does not deny the importance of full discipleship, but it affirms that God’s work often precedes formal belonging. Jesus invites His followers to discern allies in mission rather than create unnecessary barriers.
Historical and Jewish Context
In a culture shaped by clear group boundaries, loyalty was often defined by strict inclusion and exclusion. Jesus’ statement challenges this mindset by emphasizing direction rather than designation.
Rabbinic teaching sometimes used aphorisms to summarize deeper truths. This verse functions as such a saying, offering a guiding principle for communal life and mission.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse supports the Church’s teaching on cooperation in good. While the fullness of truth and sacramental life subsists in the Catholic Church, the Spirit works wherever hearts are oriented toward Christ and His mission.
This verse also encourages ecumenical openness and pastoral discernment. The Church is called to recognize authentic good wherever it appears and to foster unity without compromising truth.
Key Terms
Not against us — absence of opposition to Christ
For us — real, though partial, cooperation
Us — Christ and His mission
Statement — principle of openness
Conclusion
Mark 9:40 articulates Jesus’ generous vision of God’s Kingdom. Alignment with Christ’s mission, even when imperfect, is recognized and affirmed. The Kingdom grows through openness rather than restriction.
Reflection
Do I judge too quickly who belongs to God’s work? Am I able to recognize cooperation with Christ even when it looks different from my expectations?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to see with Your generous eyes. Help me rejoice in every sign of goodness done in Your name and to work humbly for unity in Your mission. Amen.
Mark 9:41 — “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.”
This verse brings Jesus’ teaching down to the simplest and most concrete level of discipleship. After speaking about greatness, service, and openness to those who act in His name, Jesus now highlights a small, ordinary act: giving a cup of water. What seems insignificant becomes eternally meaningful when done “because you belong to Christ.”
Jesus emphasizes intention rather than scale. The act is not heroic or dramatic; it is compassionate and practical. In a hot and dry land, offering water was an act of basic kindness. Jesus teaches that such simple service, when rooted in recognition of Christ and His disciples, participates in God’s Kingdom and carries divine reward.
This verse reassures disciples that no act of love is overlooked by God. Faithfulness is measured not by visibility but by love expressed in everyday gestures.
Historical and Jewish Context
In the ancient Near East, water was precious and hospitality was a sacred duty. Offering water to a traveler was a fundamental sign of welcome and respect. Even the poorest could perform such an act.
Jewish tradition affirmed that God remembers and rewards acts of mercy, especially those shown to the righteous. Jesus builds on this belief and explicitly connects such acts to belonging to Him.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic perspective, this verse affirms the sacramental vision of daily life. Ordinary actions, when done in Christ, become channels of grace. The Church teaches that charity, even in its smallest forms, has eternal value when motivated by love of Christ.
This verse also underlines the dignity of Christian disciples. To serve a disciple is, in a real sense, to serve Christ Himself. Reward here is not material but participation in God’s faithful justice and mercy.
Key Terms
Cup of water — simple act of charity
Because you belong to Christ — motive rooted in faith
Amen, I say to you — solemn assurance
Reward — God’s faithful recognition
Conclusion
Mark 9:41 reveals that the Kingdom of God is built through small acts of love offered with faith. Nothing done for Christ is wasted. Even the simplest service is remembered and rewarded by God.
Reflection
Do I value small acts of kindness as part of my discipleship? Am I attentive to everyday opportunities to serve Christ in others?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me recognize the holiness of simple acts done in love. Teach me to serve faithfully in small ways, trusting that nothing offered to You is ever lost. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Jesus corrects this attitude, instructing them not to forbid the man, for “he that is not against us is for us.” He explains that no one who performs a miracle in His name will be able soon after to speak evil of Him. Jesus further emphasizes that even the smallest act of kindness—like giving a cup of water to someone because they belong to Christ—will certainly be rewarded by God.
This passage serves as a call to spiritual humility and ecumenical charity. It warns against the “jealousy of the apostolate,” where we might resent the good work of others simply because they are not “one of us.” Ultimately, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is vast, and we should rejoice whenever His name is honored and His mercy is extended, regardless of the instrument He chooses to use.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, purify our hearts from the spirit of competition and exclusivity. Grant us the grace to rejoice in the good that others do in Your name, even when they are not part of our own group or tradition. Help us to be generous in our service and appreciative of Your diverse ways of working in the world, so that together we may build up Your Kingdom in love. Amen.