The disciple, John, makes the fundamental mistake. He says, “we saw someone who is not one of us casting out devils, so we stopped them.” John is showing clearly his mentality. He thinks that the mission is about the people following them.

The mission of Jesus Christ was not about anyone following them, it’s about following Him. And the mindset of John shows one we see far too much today one of exclusivity and one where the importance is on the one doing the mission, rather than on Jesus himself. We see much division among our Christian brothers and sisters today.

Many perhaps believe that other Christian faiths have nothing or very little to offer. And if people are not a part of our church or faith, they really don’t have anything to say. But it’s this very understanding that Jesus challenges in John. Jesus says, “no one who works a miracle I my name is likely to speak ill of me. Anyone who is not against us, is for us.” Particularly as we journey through the Synod, where listening is really at the heart. Let us always be intent firstly on listening to the message of Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, who welcomes us into this new way of life. Let that message be at the heart of what we hear, and let’s focus less on who’s proclaiming the message.