Home > Jesus is God in Mark's Gospel
This is also mentioned in Luke 9:49-50. Matthew does not include the exorcist story, but he preserves the teaching found in Mark 9:41.
Mark 9:38–41:
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
John reports they tried to stop someone casting out demons in Jesus' name because he wasn't part of their group.
Jesus’ name functions with divine efficacy. The exorcist’s success apart from the Twelve underscores the unique power inherent in Jesus Himself.
Jesus speaks of the power inherent in his Name and notes that those who belong to "Christ" (Messiah) will be rewarded. He claims ownership over his followers (v. 41). Jesus is acting in the role of God.