The disciples attempted to stop a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name simply because he wasn’t part of their group. They didn’t examine the man’s life or the fruit of his ministry—only his association. Jesus quickly corrected them, revealing the danger of narrow-minded judgment.
How often do we fall into the same trap? We dismiss fellow believers because they don’t align with our preferences, or secondary theological views. Without truly knowing their walk with God or the sincerity of their witness, we label them outsiders. Jesus reminds us that those who serve in His name, bearing fruit for His kingdom, should not be opposed but affirmed. Let us resist the urge to judge hastily and instead celebrate all who are genuinely sharing the love of Christ. The Kingdom is bigger than our boundaries.