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June 8, 2025 - For the Church at the St. John Church of Christ
In Luke 9:49-50, the disciples see a man who is not part of their larger group of disciples who is rescuing people from demon possession, and he is even doing it in Jesus’ name. The disciples get jealous. The disciples seem to be still thinking about worldly power and authority. They don’t seem to care if people are actually being healed from demon possession. They seem to want to protect their “brand:” their sense of prestige and identification with godly power. Their hearts seem to say, who cares if he’s helping people, he’s not going through the proper channels.
This passage shows the wideness of God’s kingdom. We can’t judge someone purely on how they are doing things just because they are outside of our church or specific ministry.
This man stands in contrast with the sons of Sceva. When Paul saw success teaching, healing, and casting out demons in Ephesus, seven sons of a Jewish high priest tried the same. They attempted to expel demons by saying, "I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims" (Acts 19:13). The evil spirit they confronted responded, "Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?" (Acts 19:15). The demon then proceeded to beat the men, who ran out of the house injured and naked.
The underlying theme of both stories is motives. The sons of Sceva were itinerant Jewish magicians who thought they had found a new money-making power. The disciples didn't want to share the glory of their position in God's kingdom. Before we confront anyone we see as a threat to God's truth, the first thing we should do is consider whether we're acting out of pride and jealousy.
Pride is pretty much the root of all the evil that is in us, we must be careful.
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We have bible classes for all ages at 10:00 a.m. Following classes, we meet together as a church family at 11:00 a.m. for worship services.
On the first Sunday of the month we enjoy a potluck meal together following worship service.
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