He That Is Not Against Us Is On Our Part... He That Is Not With Me Is Against Me

2023-12-20

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (Mark 9:39-40)

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (Luke 9:49-50)

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matthew 12:30)

He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11:23)

The first two verses talk about how those who were not against Jesus and His disciples were for them. The second two talk about how those who are not for Jesus Christ are for Him. Some are quick to point out that these are contradictory teachings. Let us look at them.

The first two refer to not being against “us,” that is, plural. The context is that there is a man doing miracles in the name of Jesus. Jesus told them to not stop him because he is doing a good thing, and He will likely not be actively opposing them. This man did not follow Jesus. Why not? Who knows. He may have been one of those who will end up saying, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22). Here, he might not be a believer, but he was doing good in the name of Jesus. Let him be.

The second two refer to being against “me,” that is, singular. People saw Jesus casting out devils, but they attributed the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. It was clear that Jesus’ power was from God. They willfully denied it. They were against Him in every way.

The end of it all would be something like this: For those who do good in the name of Jesus, don’t stop them. However, every individual must decide for themselves if Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord; if you’re against Him, there is no helping you. You must choose a side.