Why does Jesus appear contradictory when He says, "He who is not with me is against me" (Matthew 12:30) but also, "He who is not against us is for us" (Mark 9:40)?

Context of the Statements

Matthew 12:30 records Jesus saying: “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” In Mark 9:40, He says: “For whoever is not against us is for us.” At first glance, these verses can appear contradictory. However, a closer examination of their respective contexts, audiences, and purposes reveals both harmony and depth of teaching.

Different Situations and Audiences

Jesus’s statement about being “with” Him or “against” Him in Matthew 12:30 comes immediately after the Pharisees accuse Him of driving out demons by the power of Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24–29). Jesus responds by highlighting the seriousness of attributing God’s work to evil, warning that such accusations disregard His true identity and authority (Matthew 12:31–37). In this setting, His words address a direct challenge from religious leaders who are actively resisting His mission, effectively scattering people away from faith in Him.

In contrast, Mark 9:38–41 describes a scenario where the apostle John reports that someone was driving out demons in Jesus’s name but was not part of the immediate group of disciples. The disciples tried to stop him because he was “not one of us,” yet Jesus instructs them not to forbid the man’s actions. Whereas the Pharisees in Matthew 12 oppose Jesus and seek to undermine His ministry, the man in Mark 9 cooperates with Jesus’s mission (albeit from outside the circle of the Twelve). Christ’s statement “whoever is not against us is for us” serves as an affirmation of those who act in good faith under His name, even if they are not part of the recognized group.

Underlying Principles

1. Absolute Allegiance to Christ

In Matthew 12:30, the principle is that there is no neutral ground when it comes to Christ’s identity. Jesus demands complete loyalty. Those who blatantly oppose Him, or even attribute His divine works to evil, stand in direct contradiction to His mission. This statement underscores that rejecting Christ or remaining indifferent to Him equates to being hostile to God’s purpose.

2. Inclusivity of Genuine Faith

In Mark 9:40, Jesus teaches that genuine acts done in His name—reflective of true belief or respect for His authority—should be recognized and embraced. Even if a believer is outside the familiar circles, if that person’s actions align with the works of Christ, they serve the same overarching mission. The man casting out demons in Jesus’s name was not undermining the gospel; he was, in fact, supporting it by relying on Jesus’s power.

3. Different Types of “Opposition”

The Pharisees present outright unbelief, while the unnamed exorcist presents imperfect but sincere belief. Jesus discerns that one group actively contradicts His message, while the other indirectly furthers it. This distinction prevents an oversimplified application of Jesus’s words and showcases His call for discernment regarding faith, motives, and fruit.

No Middle Ground for Salvation

The teaching of Matthew 12:30 emphasizes that there is no neutral or passive position when considering Christ’s message of salvation. In various passages (e.g., John 14:6), Scripture proclaims there is one path to reconciliation with God. Historical and archaeological evidence continues to support the reliability of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection; for instance, the early testimony of believers documented in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 (an early creed preserved in Greek manuscripts) upholds the centrality of the resurrection event.

These sources underline the urgency of “being with” Jesus for salvation, rather than remaining disengaged or hostile. The statement in Matthew underscores that an active choice must be made: embrace Him or reject Him (cf. John 3:18–19).

Unity Among Believers

The statement in Mark 9:40 highlights that people who embrace—and do not contradict—Jesus’s redemptive purpose work toward the same gospel goals, even if they follow Christ in unexpected ways or within different communities. The modern church often sees believers from various denominations doing good works in the name of Christ; this diversity in expression does not negate genuine faith. While false teachers or oppositional movements are denounced elsewhere in Scripture (cf. 2 Peter 2:1), true believers who operate under Christ’s authority are greatly valued, even if they are not part of the same immediate group.

Harmonizing the Two Passages

1. Common Emphasis on Christ’s Sovereignty

Both verses affirm that Jesus has ultimate authority and that all spiritual endeavors must relate back to Him. Whether one is “for” or “against” Him determines the alignment of the heart and the direction of one’s life.

2. Call to Discernment

Jesus never endorses a casual or apathetic relationship toward Him. Rather, He calls His followers to identify genuine faith (those not against Him) and to distinguish it from outright rejection (those who seek to hinder His work). A thorough reading reveals that both statements reinforce an overall consistency: embrace the work of the faithful, reject rebellion against the Holy Spirit, and stand united under Christ.

3. Contextual Clarity

The easiest way to see the unity of these teachings is to note that Matthew 12 targets willful opposition, whereas Mark 9 addresses unexpected fellowship or partnership in Christ. When viewed in light of the whole scriptural narrative, this alignment becomes apparent and reaffirms that Scripture holds together cohesively.

Practical Application

Believers today can apply these principles by:

• Exercising caution about attributing God’s work to illegitimate sources, thereby guarding against a Pharisaical stance.

• Recognizing that not everyone who does not fit our expected mold is “against” Christ; authentic works done in His name should be celebrated.

• Standing firm that salvation is found in Christ alone and extending grace and acceptance to those who serve Him faithfully—even if their paths differ in some non-essential traditions.

Conclusion

The two statements of Jesus in Matthew 12:30 and Mark 9:40 do not contradict each other when read in their proper contexts. The deeper message emphasizes unwavering commitment to Christ on one hand and discernment toward genuine acts done in His name on the other. In this way, the call to “be with Him” unites seamlessly with the instruction to welcome those who, though not in our immediate circle, effectively serve the cause of the gospel. By embracing Christ’s sovereignty and exercising thoughtful discernment, one appreciates the unity and harmony of these teachings.