Are You Gatekeeping The Gospel? | Mark 9:38-41

The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Frank & Peggy Pittenger from South Bound Brook, NJ. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Your commitment is helping deliver God’s Word with clarity and conviction. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 9:38-41:

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the one who is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.” — Mark 9:38–41

On this July 4th, we celebrate freedom. But as followers of Christ, we know there’s greater freedom—a freedom not won by force but by grace. Today’s text challenges us to think beyond our own independence and toward interdependence within the body of Christ.

John comes to Jesus with a complaint. “Someone outside our circle is casting out demons in your name. Let's shut him down.” And Why? “Because he is not following us.” There it is. Not Jesus. Us.

This wasn’t a case of false teaching—it was spiritual tribalism. A turf war. And Jesus rebukes it. “Don’t stop him… the one who is not against us is for us.”

Jesus is widening their perspective. Kingdom work doesn’t always come through your group, your denomination, or your favorite leader. The Spirit of God is not limited to our preferred lanes.

That said, Scripture is clear—not every spiritual-looking person is worth following. Some use Jesus’ name without his authority. And we must test fruit, not just flash (see Matthew 7:15–23). But that’s not the situation here. This was real fruit. Real ministry. Just outside the disciples’ bubble.

Jesus reminds them: “Even a cup of water given in my name won’t go unrewarded.”

That’s how far God’s grace and reward go. Even the smallest act, if done for Christ, is noticed and honored. So here’s the question: Are you more loyal to your camp than you are to Christ?

Don’t let your spiritual pride become a spiritual roadblock. Don’t gatekeep the kingdom. Celebrate gospel work—even when it’s not from someone in your inner circle.

And on this day of national independence, remember this—our unity in Christ is what makes us truly free.

#FreedomInChrist, #KingdomUnity, #Mark9

ASK THIS:

1. Have I mistaken group loyalty for Christ-centered unity?
2. How can I discern real gospel fruit from false appearances?
3. Do I rejoice when others succeed in ministry?
4. Where might pride be limiting my kingdom vision?

DO THIS:

Encourage someone doing faithful work for Christ outside your usual circles.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, help me celebrate your work—even when it doesn't come through me. Free me from pride and expand my heart for your kingdom. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Build Your Kingdom Here.”