What does the word unity mean to you? What does this word mean to you in the context of the Church? And no, not just our local body, “Downtown Hope,” kind of church...but, the Church. Jesus’ pursuit. Jesus’ motive of love. Jesus’ Bride. You. Me. Us. And, in this passage, them.

Here, Jesus isn’t speaking of someone who is preaching a different Jesus--if this individual was preaching a different Jesus and was leading His Bride into division, I am sure we would have some different verbiage come from His mouth. Jesus notices this man’s faith in the name of Jesus, and so He uses it as a teaching moment for the twelve disciples. Just because someone is outside of their inner-circle doesn’t automatically mean they’re against their mission. We are to be cautious, of course, of the teachings/doctrine of others; but, this man wasn’t in a position of leadership, or starting a new denomination--he was essential a lay-person, who believed and trusted the power in the name of Jesus, and so he acted in faith. By no means is this a reason to cause division!

Ultimately, Jesus knew these eleven (twelve minus Judas) would be the ones building the Church once He ascended into Heaven, so He had to relay to them the beauty of unity under His name, and to show the importance of trusting the Holy Spirit to lead the local bodies that they would end up planting in Acts.

[Luke 9.49-50]

49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Re-read the previous verses, 46-48. Do you think this rebuke from Jesus in verse 50 is fitting after what He just taught?

+ What do you think John’s motive for this comment was?

+ Do you think this man was pursuing his own fame or fortune through his ministry? How might have this influenced Jesus’ overall response to the situation?

+ What does Jesus’ teaching in this remind the disciples of who holds ultimate judgement?

+ According to GotQuestions, here is the definition of “one accord,” which is a common phrase used in the Book of Acts:

“Inner unity (oneness of heart and mind) of a group of people engaged in a similar action.”

+ Why does unity under Jesus matter? What does it do to the health of the Church?

+ NOTE: It is very important to be cautious and to realize that just because someone moves in the name of “Jesus,” it doesn’t mean that they’re in one accord with us...for example, think of Matthew 7.21-23. If necessary, seek out community if questions/concerns arise.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ HB Charles, Jr. said in one of his sermons:

“Because if I’m saved, the Holy Spirit is in me, [and if you’re saved], the Holy Spirit is in you. And the Holy Spirit in you is not going to tell you to not have anything to do with the Holy Spirit in me. If the Holy Spirit is in us, He will cause us to love one another. The Jesus in me will love the Jesus in you.”

How does that resonate with me and in my relationships with others?

+ Am I not moving forward with a ministry opportunity because I think people might respond like John did?

+ Have I been reacting like John while looking at other people’s ministries?

+ What is my view of the Church? Has COVID changed that view? Where has this view come from?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Does a family or an individual’s name come to mind that I can invite over for coffee, dinner, etc.?