This short passage is enigmatic and raises more questions than it answer. How do we interpret these words of Jesus and his exchange with his disciple John? I confess that I do not have many answers and will continue thinking about this scripture for a while.

One thing seems to be clear. John and his colleagues want to stop people from exercising the authority of Jesus. Their actions and attitudes are based on the fact that the people who are doing these things are not a part of their group. They want to maintain the power of Jesus exclusively.

But Jesus does not have that attitude at all. While those who are with him all the time are special to him and he treats them as such, he understands that his mission on earth is much broader than these twelve men. Jesus is not challenged when others outside his circle speak and act in his name. He see value in those efforts and confident in their outcomes.

How often do we get caught up on our groups and seek to devalue and even prevent the good works of other people? Like little children, we want what we think is ours, and we don’t want others to have it. We forget that the good things we have and the opportunities to do good some from God, and we should always consider them gift. And we should remember that God gives to others as He does to us.

Our Father, help us to be more open to the good works that others may do and to never forget that your gifts are freely given. We have no special privilege and ownership in your kingdom. Amen.

This devotion was written by Jim Stovall and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.