Luke 9:49

49, 50. The Tolerance of Jesus.

49. And John answered and said Mark 9:38-41. This sudden question seems to have been suggested by the words "in my name" which Jesus had just used.

casting out devils in thy name It was common among the Jews to attempt exorcism by many different methods; see on Luke 4:35; Luke 8:32; Luke 8:32. This unknown person like the sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-14, but evidently in a more faithful spirit had found that the name of Jesus was more powerful. Specimens of Jewish exorcisms are given inthe Jewish Book of Jubilees,and in Shabbath,67; Pesachim, f. 112 a, b;see too Tob 6:16-17; Jos. B. J.vii. 6, § 3.

we forbad him Compare the jealous zeal of Joshua against Eldad and Medad, and the truly noble answer of Moses, Numbers 11:27-29.

because he followeth not with us This touch of intolerant zeal is quite in accordance with the natural disposition which shews itself in the incident of Luke 9:54, and with the story that St John rushed out of a bath in which he saw the heretic Cerinthus. It was this burning temperament that made him a "Son of Thunder."