2/26/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 9:38-40

38 John said to Jesus, “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.”

2/26/2025 (Wednesday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 9:38-40

John comes to Jesus with a concern: someone outside their group is casting out demons in Jesus’ name. The disciples, perhaps feeling protective of their role, try to stop the man. But Jesus corrects them, teaching a lesson in humility, unity, and the vastness of God’s work.

This moment reveals a truth we often struggle with — God’s work is bigger than our own understanding. It is easy to think that only those who belong to our church, our denomination, or our way of worshiping are truly doing God’s will. But Jesus reminds us that anyone who truly calls on His name and does good in His name is part of His kingdom.

God’s Work Is Not Limited to Our Circles.
John and the other disciples assumed that because this man was not one of the twelve, he had no right to minister in Jesus’ name. But Jesus saw things differently. His work was never meant to be contained within a small group of people. It was meant to spread across the world.

Sometimes, we are tempted to think that only those who believe exactly as we do are “on the right path.” We may feel hesitant to acknowledge the faith of others who express their devotion differently. But Jesus calls us to a broader perspective. If someone is preaching Jesus, healing in His name, and doing good in His Spirit, we should rejoice instead of reject them.

God is moving in ways we cannot see. He raises up people in different places, cultures, and backgrounds to serve Him. Rather than worrying about controlling God’s work, we should be thankful that His name is being glorified, no matter who is doing it.

A Call to Unity, Not Division
Jesus’ words are an invitation to unity: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” He reminds us that as long as someone is working for His kingdom, we are on the same team.

It is easy to fall into division over doctrines, traditions, or personal preferences. But Jesus calls us to focus on what unites us: faith in Him. Instead of criticizing other believers, we should encourage and support one another. The enemy wants to divide, but Jesus calls us to love.

Look for the Fruit, Not the Label
Rather than asking, “Do they belong to our group?” Jesus challenges us to ask, “Are they bearing fruit for the kingdom?” The true test of faith is not in titles or affiliations but in the evidence of God’s work. Are lives being transformed? Is love being shown? Is Jesus being glorified?

This does not mean we should compromise on essential truths of the faith. But it does mean we should avoid unnecessary barriers that keep us from recognizing God’s hand in others.

Encouraging Each Other in the Mission
Instead of competing with others in ministry, we should celebrate what God is doing through them. When another church grows, we should rejoice. When a different ministry impacts lives, we should give thanks. The kingdom of God is not about personal success—it is about Jesus being made known.

If we are truly followers of Christ, our concern should not be about who gets credit, but about whether the gospel is advancing.

Jesus’ words remind us to embrace a kingdom mindset. His work is greater than our personal understanding, and His followers come from many different backgrounds. Let us be people who encourage, support, and celebrate God’s work wherever it is found.

As we go forward, let’s ask ourselves: Are we building bridges or walls? Are we celebrating God’s work or trying to control it? May we have open hearts to recognize and rejoice in every good work done in Jesus’ name.

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