As usual, there is a lot going on in the gospel reading for this week. Despite that, I want to focus a bit on the concern the disciples raise about encountering someone who has been casting out demons in Jesus’ name. According to the disciples, this is not someone who has been “following us.” Not one of their group. It’s an outsider.
I’ve been thinking about the disciples’ struggle with this outsider. What was their issue? Were they concerned that he wasn’t appropriately representing Jesus and his mission in the world? Were they concerned that the outsider would get credit or undermine Jesus’ role (and theirs, too)? Were they frustrated that they weren’t having the same success in battling the forces of evil and healing people of demons? Or did they simply not want anyone else to do what they were trying to do? It’s hard to say, and knowing human beings, it’s reasonable to expect that their motivations were mixed.
Jesus is unconcerned. He tells them not to stop this outsider who is using Jesus’ name. He says, “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Demons are being cast out. People are being healed and are able to return to living their lives. Jesus’ mission is moving forward and that’s what matters. His mission of bringing healing, casting out evil forces, and transforming the world with love, forgiveness and inclusion is massive. There is plenty to be done by folks inside the circle and outside, too.
It seems the question Jesus is concerned with is not who is helping, but rather, what is happening?
Are demons being cast out? Are people being healed and returned to wholeness? Is the news that God is here and transforming the world being shared? Are God’s priorities of love and compassion and justice and forgiveness and grace being lived out?
With God, there is no such thing as an insider or an outsider. We all are beloved children.
Peace,