John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." 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. For whoever is not against us is for us. (Mk 9:38-40)
Does Jesus belong to a privileged few (so called disciples) or he is for all. Same way one can argue about the name of Jesus, whether it is for a group only or is it for all. Through this episode the author is trying to argue an important point fellowship in following Jesus. Does one become inclusive or exclusive in following Jesus?
John takes the privileged position and asks for exclusivity. In fact the disciples have the same attitude. Even among themselves they were arguing to find out who was the greatest or who would get the privileged position to sit on the right or left of Jesus at the kingdom etc.
John’s attitude affects many people. Jesus or his name is a gift of God offered to the whole humanity or to the whole universe. No one should be prevented to claim the name of Jesus. Jesus is for all. And those who are for Jesus will always belong to him.
