39. Warning Against Being Exclusive (9:38-41)

On the journey to Jerusalem, the character of the kingdom to be established by Christ takes shape. It is a place of suffering leading to glory, and it is also a place of humble service mixed with appreciation of the many ways God may work in this world. In a dramatic and unexpected warning, Jesus says, 'he who is not against us is for us!' Thus Christians are prohibited overly zealous in criticism of those who are doing good in the name of Jesus, even when they may otherwise disagree with them on lesser matters.