Daily D – Luke 9:49-50

by | Apr 26, 2023 | Daily D | 0 comments

David G Bowman Logo

Luke 9:49, 50  John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.” (NLT)

Luke 9 is an expansive chapter. It begins with Jesus sending his closest followers on mission with power and authority (verses 1, 2). Jesus fed 5,000 and more (verses 10-17). Jesus was transfigured and spoke with Moses and Elijah about his coming exodus from this world (verses 28-36). Jesus delivered a boy from an evil spirit (verses 37-43). He had given his authority and power to his disciples to do this, but they couldn’t do it. 

Then the discussion about who was the greatest occurred (verses 46-48). Jesus keeps expanding the worldview of his closest disciples. He keeps inviting others into relationship with himself. Then John, who had been with him on the mountain when he was transfigured, who had experienced everything else in this chapter, decided to draw the circle smaller and tighter. It sounds like he wanted an exclusive relationship with Jesus when Jesus offered an open-ended opportunity for everyone to experience grace and mercy. 

Do you ever feel threatened when you are around someone more capable than you even though you have more access to power, training, and development? John wanted to keep the power and authority from Jesus limited to their little group. Jesus had bigger, better plans. See 10:1-16 for details. 

John and the other guys couldn’t accomplish what Jesus gave them power and authority to do. This other guy was able to do it. The other guy was doing what Jesus wanted and expected. 

It took a while for John to figure out what Jesus was up to. Years later, he wrote these words in the book we know by his name:

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16, 17

Jealousy and exclusivity are the opposite of what Jesus wants. Jesus wants everyone to know and experience a life-changing relationship with him. He wants everyone to use his delegated power and authority to extend his kingdom to every man, woman, boy, and girl. 

Never place a boundary where Jesus extends an invitation.

I will use whatever power and authority Jesus delegates to me to open doors for others to know and experience his power and authority.

Our Father, I belong to you. Please forgive me for the times when I acted like you belonged to me. I am yours to command. I do not command you. Please forgive me for thinking in terms of status when you are directing me into service. Amen. 

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

CONNECT WITH ME!

Interested in learning more about Church Unique or Life Younique? Send a note through the Get In Touch box or Message me through the Facebook link above.

          Church Unique Logo          Auxano Logo

GET IN TOUCH!

READ MY BLOG!

Daily D – Matthew 1:20-21

Matthew 1:20, 21 But after he had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Daily D – Hebrews 6:15

Hebrews 6:15 And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise.

Daily D – Hebrews 4:15-16

Hebrews 4:15, 16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Daily D – Psalm 25:8

Psalm 25:8 The Lord is good and upright;
therefore he shows sinners the way.
He leads the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

Daily D – Philemon 15, 16

Philemon 15, 16 For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave — as a dearly loved brother. He is especially so to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.