Mark 9:38

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(^^)Regin

Puritan Board Freshman
[BIBLE]Mark 9:38[/BIBLE]

Hello from Japan!

  • is John responding to the Lord's question at verse 33?
  • Is John responding to what the Lord Jesus said in verse 36?
  • If so, what does it have to do with the Lord's teaching at verse 36? What is the relationship between the child and/against the unknown exorcist?
  • or if not, is this then a disconnected incident?

Any insights is very much appreciated!

Blessings!
 
Yes, there is a connection of sorts between the correction Jesus gives the disciples (who were disputing internally), and John's question. It is the fact that Jesus has made a critique of his own servants, practically (certainly allowing some to take his words as) abolishing hierarchy or the position of leaders and followers in his kingdom, by telling those with the greatest claim to rank, "You lot need to stop thinking of how great you are, and start thinking about how low you can stoop."

John question (perhaps prompted by a pang of conscience, in response to the Lord's rebuke) focuses on an action hitherto unremarkable among the disciples who were involved, and for which act Jesus may be inferred not to have been present. There was a man who for whatever reason was not named among the known followers of Christ. He "did not follow us," that is, acknowledge the organization of the church, the superiority of the Twelve, perhaps not even possessing a proper and accurate perception of Jesus as the Christ and Head of his church (since he did not join himself--forsaking all--to Christ).

In other words, this stranger was one who either, 1) might be "receiving" a little child in Jesus' name, thus receiving Him; or 2) he might be one who was a "little child" of Jesus, and the disciples (or some of them) had rejected or rebuked him. Either way, it seemed possible (especially in light of Jesus' correction) that this was the wrong move.

Jesus chides them, not too severely, but still corrects them once again for precipitous and unloving reaction to someone. In the context of all the hostility and opposition to Christ and his claims, here was one who was promoting Jesus! And what were the disciples doing--in jealousy of their own power, and not so much for the honor of Christ ("he does not follow US," they noted, rather than "he does not follow YOU")--but dampening the enthusiasm of an "Apollos" or some such, instead of teaching him more accurately, or inviting him to the fellowship, or simply rejoicing that the "movement" was getting beyond the orderly bounds of the formal institution.
 
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