Mark 9:38-40 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him… I. ATTEND TO A FEW GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE PASSAGE. 1. On the introduction of a new dispensation the power of working miracles was necessary, in order to establish its Divine authority; and this power consequently attended the first ages of Christianity. 2. Some who profess a sacred regard for the name of Jesus, and the doctrines of the gospel, may nevertheless not follow Him in all things as we do, or as they themselves ought to do. This may arise from ignorance, indolence, and inadvertence. 3. In the conduct of the disciples we may see our own aptness to imagine that those do not follow Christ at all who do not follow Him with us. II. INQUIRE INTO THE CAUSES OF THAT UNCHARITABLE JUDGMENT, WHICH PROFESSED CHRISTIANS ARE DISPOSED TO PASS UPON ONE ANOTHER. 1. An immoderate degree of self-love. 2. Bigotry and party spirit are another source of uncharitable judgment. 3. An idle and pragmatic temper is another of these causes. 4. A liberty taken to censure and condemn others, is often vindicated by the appearance of a similar disposition on the other side. Let us not judge of men's thoughts and intentions when there is nothing reprehensible in their conduct. (B. Beddome, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. |
    |