OK let’s get the two statements out there, and both from the lips of Jesus. And just in case it is only me who sees the conflict I will put that part in bold.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters (Matt. 12:30).
But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Lk. 9:50, also Mark 9:40).
So there we have it. The difference has to be context. Context of the first one is of those who are in the know, who are the ones holding the truth, and as a result quickly discern that Jesus is casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul. The second one is in the context of the disciples encountering someone who was casting out demons in the name of Jesus but who was not one of ‘them’.
I am probably one of those in the ‘know’. That means quite an ‘ouch’ for me. I know so much I can quickly discern where things are way off line. Then who are those who are in the second category? They are the ones who are ‘Not one of us’, who ‘does not follow with us’ (great language – the ‘us’ language)… but using the benefits that Jesus has brought. Dangerous, for sure… or dangerous for people like me?
So makes for some untidy mess, or maybe bringing clarity to how I mess it up by knowing where the lines of clarity are to be drawn.
Just getting around to reading this, a bit late of course…first thoughts…I have 12 grandkids may get more, they are great! Ages range from 17-6…so almost one a year…the 12 year old told her mom “God is just something people made up I don’t believe in him show me proof”…12…I never entertained that thought until I was in my 20’s…
Got me thinking…how do we communicate the beauty of Christ to the next, “next” generation without all the trappings that make it ugly?
God has to be somewhat more human than we are used to…just as demons should be…I’m not suggesting we humanize demons, just that in future contexts we are able to explain both sides have roots in what it is to be human…otherwise there is no proof…in other words “Whoever is not for being human, is against proof”…I know that mangles the meaning quite a bit…
Is humanity proof of God? Probably just as much proof as proof of demons.
We have the facts that evil is real.