What does "no one who performs a miracle" teach about God's power? Setting the Scene Mark 9:38-40 finds John telling Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not one of us.” Jesus answers, “Do not stop him. No one who performs a miracle in My name can quickly turn around and speak evil of Me” (Mark 9:39-40). What the Phrase Reveals About God’s Power • God’s power is inseparably tied to the name of Jesus. – “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do” (John 14:13). – Miracles flow from divine authority, not human status. • God’s power is sovereign and unrestricted by human boundaries. – The unnamed miracle-worker was outside the Twelve, yet God worked through him. – Compare Numbers 11:26-29, where the Spirit fell on Eldad and Medad apart from Moses’ inner circle. • God’s power validates itself. – A genuine miracle in Jesus’ name bears witness to the truth of who He is. – Acts 4:16: even opponents conceded, “a notable sign has been performed… we cannot deny it.” • God’s power counteracts slander. – “Can quickly turn around and speak evil of Me” implies that encountering God’s power silences hostile tongues. – See Acts 9:20-22, where Saul’s preaching confounded those who doubted. • God’s power knits together the body of Christ. – “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: diverse gifts, one Spirit; miracles unify rather than divide. Further Scriptural Echoes • Mark 16:17-18: “These signs will accompany those who believe.” • Acts 19:11-12: “God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul.” • Exodus 4:2-5: Moses’ staff becomes a serpent—God empowers ordinary objects and people. Practical Takeaways for Today • Expectation: God still works supernaturally; His power has not diminished. • Humility: He may choose unexpected servants; avoid a possessive spirit over ministry. • Discernment: Evaluate works by the name and character of Jesus, not by affiliation. • Confidence: When God acts, opposition and slander ultimately collapse under the weight of divine evidence. |
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