Friendly Fire

The Fog of War

Military experts call it “friendly fire.” That’s when soldiers accidentally wound or kill one of their own. There’s really nothing “friendly” about it. But sadly sometimes in the fog and chaos of war, it happens.

You can’t confine it strictly to the military battlefield. Friendly fire also takes down the followers of Jesus. It kinda makes sense when you realize we are doing spiritual warfare against an enemy who’s mission is to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10).

Drawing a Bead on Our Brothers and Sisters

The big problem is that friendly fire within the faith is rarely accidental. WAY too many times, we think fellow believers really are the bad guys. We intentionally draw a bead on our brothers and sisters to take them down.

We’ve all seen it happen. Some follower, church, or denomination doesn’t do things according to a certain set of religious rules. It could be anything. Worship style. Bible translation. Means of communion. How they baptize. Church name. Pick one.

Without Expressed Written Consent

As you might imagine, this is nothing new. I mean, where do you think all the different denominations came from? But did you realize that it goes all the way back to the Bible? Way back even before the very first church?

In John Mark’s biography of Jesus, he tells us about the time when the disciples proudly tell the Lord about shutting down someone who has the audacity to help people in His name (Mk 9:38-40). The reason? He wasn’t part of their team! How dare the dude cast out demons without their expressed written consent of the Twelve!!

There’s just one little problem. The Lord makes it clear that this guy is NOT the enemy. He’s actually playing for Team Jesus. 

Don’t make the mistake of thinking he’s competing with Christ when he’s helping people in His name.

A Crazy Few Days

We pick up the story in the second Gospel in Capernaum (Mk 9:33), the tiny fishing village Jesus uses as His base of operations in Galilee. The town sits on the northern shore of the large freshwater lake known as the Sea of Galilee. Somewhere between 1,000-1,500 people called it home in the First Century.

It’s been a crazy past few days for Christ and His crew. They’ve just returned from a trip north into the mountains near Caesarea Philippi (Mk 8:27). While they were there, He quizzed them on who people say He is.

Blowing Their Minds

There’s plenty of speculation on His identity, but Pete puts together the pieces of the puzzle together and announces, “You are the Messiah” (Mk 8:29). Finally, it’s out there. He’s the One God has promised to send for thousands of years.

Jesus follows that up by blowing the boys’ minds about their picture of what Messiah is supposed to do. Instead of some sort of political and military hero, the Rabbi/Carpenter has come to suffer, die, and rise from the dead (Mk 8:31; 9:31)

Sandwiched in between, Jesus invites Pete, James, and John to join Him for an unforgettable mountaintop meetup with a pair of OT heavyweights (Mk 9:2-8). Not only do they see Moses and Elijah, but the Lord pulls back the heavenly curtain and gives them a peek at His dazzling glory. Topping it all off, Father God delivers the ultimate attaboy.

God’s View of Greatness

Once they get back home to Capernaum, Christ defines greatness from God’s perspective (Mk 9:33-34). You actually find first place at the back of the line by serving others.

He then gives them a practical example by hugging a small child (Mk 9:35-37). If you want a deeper relationship with the Son of God and the Heavenly Father in your life, the access code is quite simple really. Welcome the unwelcomed. Receive the snubbed. Embrace the ingored.

John? Which John?

That’s when John jumps in. But WHICH John? There are a grand total of five dudes with that name in the New Testament. Seems that it’s as common a name in First Century Israel as it is today in America. Here’s a quick rundown.

Luke drops John’s name as a family of high priests Annas, Caiaphas, and Alexander (Acts 4:5-6). Considering these guys get together to chew out the apostles Peter and John, you can bet it’s NOT the same person.

Then there’s Pete and Andy’s dad. The only time Gospel writers mention him is in connection his son (Mt 16:17; Jn 1:42; 21:15-17). Probably not him either.

Somebody’s Dad or Somebody’s Son?

That brings us to John Mark, the human author of this particular document. His mom hosts the early church right after Jesus’ resurrection and return home to heaven (Acts 12:12).

His uncle Barnabas and buddy Saul recruit him for their first mission trip (Acts 12:25; 13:5). Let’s just say that didn’t go well (Acts 13:13). He gets several other mentions in the NT but it’s always just Mark (Col 4:10; 2Tim 4:11; Phm 24; 1Pet 5:13). Throw in the fact that he’s writing this passage, we can strike him off the list.

Jesus’ Weird Cousin

Could it be John the Baptizer? We met Jesus’ weird, bug eatin’, leather wearin’ cousin back in the opening scene of Mark’s Gospel (Mk 1:4-11). There’s just one problem. King Herod Antipas decapitated this John as the prize for a pole dance from his niece (Mk 6:21-28). Yeah, so it’s not him.

The Lord’s Closest Friend

That narrows it down to the former commercial fisherman and son of Zebedee who was one of Jesus’ very first followers (Mk 1:18-20). He’s probably the youngest of the Twelve. Christ nicknames him and his big brother James the “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17).

Before it’s all said and done, John the Apostle becomes the Lord’s closest friend, at least according to the Gospel this particular John wrote (Jn 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).

He outlives the rest of the team and goes on to write not just his own biography of Jesus but three letters that bear his name (1John, 2John, and 3John) as well as what we now call Revelation. People may freak out at the last document in the Bible but, SPOILER ALERT…Team Jesus wins!

Out of Left Field

It’s this particular John who speaks up and says to our Savior, “Teacher, we saw someone using Your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn’t in our group” (v38).

The apostle’s statement sure seems to come flying in from left field. Why would he seemingly bring that up out of nowhere? Seems kinda random at first glance, don’t you think?

Changing the Subject

But if we back up just a bit, maybe we see how it fits into what’s just gone down. Remember the previous discussion Jesus just had with the Twelve? You know, the one about their fight to be the best and how He demonstrates how true greatness through welcoming a child (Mk 9:33-37).

According to A.T. Robertson, John seems to change the subject from Jesus’ uncomfortable lesson of opening our lives to children and other people on the fringes of society in His name. Here’s someone they certainly didn’t welcome with open arms.

A Bungled Exorcism

And remember that the disciples just bungled the exorcism of a boy while the Lord and the Big Three were at the Transfiguration (Mk 9:18). Meanwhile, this guy didn’t just TRY to exorcise evil spirits. He was really doing it!

Could it be that since they couldn’t cut the mustard, they sure weren’t going to let someone outside of their circle do it either. I mean, if word got out about that, it certainly wouldn’t look good for the guys.

Hmm. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Maybe John’s comments aren’t so random after all.

My Inner Nerd

A closer look at the original Greek text of the disciple’s statement reveals that this encounter with the exorcist was a lot more than a one time thing. Welcome to my inner nerd. Hang with me.

Let’s start with the verbs. The first one we see is “stop” (Gr. κωλυω/koluo), which means to hinder, prevent, forbid, restrain, or generally keep something from happening. We see it a little just down the page when Jesus tells the guys, “Let the little children come. Don’t stop (Gr. κωλυω/koluo) them!” (Mk 10:14).

The other verb is actually hidden in the NLT translation that the guy “wasn’t in our group” (Gr. ακουλεθεω/akouletheo). At it’s core, this term describes following or accompanying somebody else. In other words, John is saying that this guy has gone rogue and not part of their crew.

A Running Battle

If that’s not enough, the form of both verbs tells us this was a running battle between the disciples and the guy they see as the enemy. They’re both in the imperfect tense. We could easily read this as, “We kept trying to stop him because he never did it our way.” It happened way more than once.

Buck Naked and Bleeding

Over in Luke’s sequel we call Acts, the good doctor tells a crazy story about what happens when folks play fast and loose with the Lord’s name. The sons of the high priest named Sceva traveled as Jewish exorcists. They make the mistake trying to call on the name of Jesus like some sort of magic spell to cast out demons.

There was just one little problem. The evil spirit knows immediately that Sceva’s boys aren’t really playing for Team Jesus. The next thing you know, the demon jumps them, whips their seven tails, and they go running out of the house buck naked and bleeding (Acts 19:16)!

But this guy John describes is actually getting the job done. Apparently the only ones getting their tails whipped are the evil spirits.

Arrogance Inside the Clubhouse

 

I gotta tell you, I just can’t get past that phrase “because he wasn’t in our group” (v38). I can’t find any other Bible expert who says anything about it so there’s every possibility that I’m way off base here.

But don’t you get the feeling that John’s statement reveals a not-so-subtle arrogance that’s growing inside the clubhouse of Christ’s own team? Just look back up the page. Jesus just had to stop an argument among them about who’s the greatest (Mk 9:34)!

He’s Not One of US!

If that’s how they felt about each other, it’s not hard to imagine how they looked down on anybody  who “wasn’t in our group” (v38). Come on, Lord! He’s not one of US! He may be casting out demons, but he can’t be doing it right! If he is legit, he’d hang out with us. He must be a phony!!

In the NIV Commentary on Mark, David Garland cuts to the chase and asks the hard questions. Were the disciples jealous for Jesus or for themselves? Are they out to corner the exorcism market and increase their own status and power?

Stupid Christian Tricks

Before we get cocky, we need to realize that we’re still trying to play these same games 2,000 years later. Even worse, we do it all for Jesus. David Letterman might call it Stupid Christian Tricks. And he would be right.

Just like in our society, there’s a growing gorge dividing the American church. Liberals on one side. Conservatives on the other. There’s a LOT of name calling and brick throwing. And we wonder why the world won’t take us seriously. Sheesh.

Competition with a Capital “C”

Mind if I ask you a question? Are we standing on one side or the other talking trash about those we believe play for the other team? Do you throw other believers under the Bible bus because they use an organ, own an overhead projector, don’t have Sunday school, or meet on Saturday?

Let’s look at it another way. How do you feel about other churches in your area? Are they part of the capital “C” Church or are they Competition with a capital “C”? Do you freak out when God uses another congregation in a crazy good way?

The Real Enemy

Would you pray for another church EVEN IF their success in God’s kingdom might lead folks to leave your church and join them? Garland cuts to the chase. “We must recognize that God’s mission in the world is bigger than we are. We need to recognize who the real enemy is who must be exorcised from our midst and from others.”

You DO realize that your local church and/or particular denomination aren’t the only group of folks following Jesus out there in the world, don’t you? Don’t you?!?

God Used a Jackass

I’ve got a suggestion. Let’s ALL fly under the banner and brand of Christ until everyone has had the chance to hear and respond to the Gospel. Once that’s done, we can sort out the details. In the meantime, we’ve got a job to do.

Too many times we think God can only work through our denomination, our church, our ministry, our small group, or our team. But here’s the truth of the matter. He can use anyone or anything He desires. I mean, He IS God! Remember, He did speak through a jackass once (Num 22:28-30).

Never Stop Never Stopping!

Meanwhile, Jesus responds to John’s report from the field about the disciples’ successful shutdown of the unauthorized exorcist. “Don’t stop (Gr. κωλυω/koluo) him!” (v39).

There’s that very same word “stop” again. But this time the Lord commands His crew to not get in the guy’s way. Stop bothering him. Don’t distract him. When it comes to other people helping others in Jesus’ name, He wants the Twelve never stop never stopping.

God’s Spirit Pours out

Moses has to deal with something very similar happens back when God’s people are camped in the desert of Sinai (Num 11:24-30). Yahweh pours His Spirit out on seventy of the Hebrew leaders who suddenly begin to speak prophetically.

But there are a couple of dudes named Eldad and Medad who didn’t make it to the meeting. Despite being absent, God drenches them with His Spirit as well. Sure enough, they start prophesying.

Pump Your Brakes, Little Brother

When word gets back to Joshua about these alleged rogue prophets, he rats them out to Moses, hoping his big bro will shut them down ASAP. But the Big Mo tells his little brother to pump his brakes.

“Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them all!” (Num 11:29). Come on, little brother. Don’t we want everybody to experience God’s incredible goodness?!?

Bad Motives and the Good News

A couple of decades after Christ, Paul just wanted people to know Jesus by any means necessary! That even included people considered him their rival. “Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition,and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them” (Phil 1:15-16 The Message).

The apostle formerly known as Saul didn’t give a rip. “But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice” (Phil 1:15-18).

Get out of the Way!

The Lord wants us to focus on our assignment and leave the rest up to God. Don’t be so quick to talk smack about someone who may not be part of your specific group or church.

The big idea? If someone is either directly or indirectly helping people and drawing them into a deeper relationship with Jesus, GET OUT OF THEIR WAY!! Never stop never stopping them!!!

The Holy Huddle

Our Savior goes on to say that someone using His name to do mighty works can’t trash His rep later. “No one who performs a miracle in My name will soon be able to speak evil of Me” (v39).

If you’re willing to fight Satan and evil, Christ welcomes you as an ally in the war. What a GREAT reminder that the devil and the powers of darkness are the real enemy, NOT those who aren’t members of our cozy little holy huddle.

Believing the Best

Shouldn’t we believe the best about people…or at least our brothers and sisters in Jesus? Shouldn’t this be our default position? Way too often we have our doubts about someone’s intent. What’s their angle? What are they up to?

But why not take the advice of English theologian Matthew Poole? “If a man be not an open enemy of Christ, he ought to be presumed to be His friend, at least as not to be discouraged from doing a good work.”

Dropping Jesus’ Name

Did you catch how Jesus’ mentions someone doing good “in My name” (v39). It’s another reason we know these verses are directly connected to Jesus’ previous point about receiving little kids “in My name” (Mk 9:37). John admits that the so-called competition was “using Your name” (v38).

This guy is dropping Jesus’ name and giving Him the credit for what’s going on. He doesn’t seem to be in it to make a name for himself. He’s out to help people and make the Son of God famous in the process.

For or Against?

Jesus eliminates the grey area when it comes to who’s playing for His team. “Anyone who is not against us is for us” (v40). If somebody is actively spreading God’s grace, they’re your teammate. Get it? Got it? Good.

Yeah, yeah, some of you want to know how this squares with what Jesus says over in Matthew. “Anyone who isn’t with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn’t working with Me is actually working against Me? (Mt 12:30).

Taking a Stand for Our Savior

Hmm. Could this be one of those contradictions critics say are all over the Bible? A.T. Robertson says we might want to slow our roll. Okay, he probably wouldn’t have used those exact words, but he says there’s a VERY important difference between these two statements.

Robertson writes that both of these ideas are needed. There are some folks who make the mistake of thinking they’re playing for Team Jesus but refuse to take a stand for Him publicly. If you don’t openly claim Christ, you need to take off His jersey.

No Decision Is a Decision

Our Savior’s point in Matthew is that no one can remain on the fence when it comes to their faith in Him. We must all make our choice. Have you? Just a word of warning. No decision IS a decision. Hint: No decision it’s NOT the decision we should make.

Let’s cut to the chase. This is ultimately the Lord’s call. Not yours. Not mine. If we’re on His team and working for His cause, 

we’re NOT against Him. Stop playing the hall monitor. He’s got this. He can figure out who’s playing for which team.

A Rumor about John

It reminds me of the conversation the resurrected Christ has with Pete after breakfast on the beach in Galilee. Jesus has just restored Rocky and given him his assignment to take care of His flock (Jn 21:15-19).

Pete asks Him about the rumor that John wouldn’t die. The Lord tells the apostle that it’s actually none of his bee’s wax. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me” (Jn 21:22). Not your call, bro. Be faithful to what He’s called YOU to do.

Small Gestures of Grace

Jesus then says, “If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded” (v41). The littlest things done in His name aren’t a waste of time.

The ESV Study Bible reminds us that God has His eyes on even the smallest gestures of grace. Everything we do in His name doesn’t have to be some mammoth accomplishment. There’s no question that Jesus can use any of His followers to build a megachurch, start an impactful international ministry, or take the Good News to a muslim nation.

The great evangelist William Carey said, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” But sometimes the greatest things can be the little things. Like giving a cup of cold water to a worn out servant of our Savior.

One Another

Could this convo be running through Jesus’ mind when He gives His guys a brand spanking new command right before His crucifixion? “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (Jn 13:33-34).

How we treat each other will provide evidence to a watching world about whether we REALLY are His followers. Are we competing with one another other? Trashing one another? Suing one another? Fighting with one another? I’m pretty sure we won’t find any of these “one anothers” anywhere in God’s Word.

Know the REAL Enemy

We have an enemy. It’s not the church down the street. It’s not the denomination that doesn’t do it like you. Let’s love each other. We’re all playing for Team Jesus. Let’s put a stop to the not-so-friendly fire.

©2019

Jay Jennings