Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Intolerance of his Disciples
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In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as a teacher and leader who consistently challenges the attitudes and behaviors of His disciples, urging them to embrace a spirit of love, humility, and inclusivity. One notable instance of this is when Jesus reproves the intolerance of His disciples, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding over exclusion and judgment.

Mark 9:38-41 : In this passage, John, one of Jesus' disciples, reports to Him about a man casting out demons in Jesus' name, who was not part of their group. John says, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow us." Jesus responds with a rebuke, saying, "Do not stop him. For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. For whoever is not against us is for us." Here, Jesus teaches His disciples that the work of God is not limited to their immediate circle and that they should not hinder those who act in His name, even if they are not part of their group.

Luke 9:49-50 : This account parallels the narrative in Mark, where John again expresses concern about someone casting out demons in Jesus' name. Jesus' response is consistent: "Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you." This reiteration underscores the message that the kingdom of God transcends human boundaries and affiliations.

Luke 9:51-56 : Another instance of Jesus reproving His disciples' intolerance occurs when He and His followers are traveling to Jerusalem. As they pass through a Samaritan village, the villagers do not welcome them. James and John, in their zeal, ask Jesus, "Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turns and rebukes them, highlighting that His mission is not one of destruction but of salvation and reconciliation. This rebuke serves as a powerful reminder that the disciples are called to reflect the love and mercy of Christ, even towards those who reject them.

Matthew 19:13-15 : In another scenario, people bring little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuke those who brought the children, but Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." By welcoming the children, Jesus challenges the disciples' preconceived notions of importance and worthiness, teaching them that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of status or age.

John 4:1-42 : The account of Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well further illustrates His challenge to the disciples' intolerance. Jews and Samaritans typically avoided each other, yet Jesus engages the woman in a profound theological conversation, revealing His identity as the Messiah. When the disciples return, they are surprised to find Him speaking with a Samaritan woman, but Jesus uses this opportunity to teach them about the inclusivity of His mission and the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers.

Through these teachings and actions, Jesus consistently reproves the intolerance of His disciples, urging them to adopt a broader, more inclusive perspective that aligns with the values of the kingdom of God. His rebukes serve as a timeless reminder of the call to love and accept others, regardless of their background or affiliation, reflecting the boundless grace and mercy of Christ.
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Mark 9:38,39
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and he follows not us: and we forbade him, because he follows not us.
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Luke 9:49,50
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name; and we forbade him, because he follows not with us.
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Resources
What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org

Is Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees (In Peraea)
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