Luke 9:49

Because then our Lord had said, He who is least among you all, the same shall be great, John feared, lest perhaps they had done wrong in hindering a certain man by their own power. For a prohibition does not show the probitor to be inferior, but to be one who thinks himself somewhat superior. Hence it is added, And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbad him. Not indeed from envy, but to distinguish the working of miracles, for he had not received the power of working miracles with them, nor had the Lord sent him as He did them; nor did he follow Jesus in all things. Hence he adds, because he followeth not with us.

And John answered and said, Master,.... The Syriac and Persic versions read, "our Master": we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbad him; See Gill on Mar 9:38. Because he followeth not with us; the Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions read, "because he followeth not thee with us"; did not join in company with them, and follow Christ along with them, and as they did.

The verses we have now read contain two most important warnings . They are directed against two of the commonest evils which are to be found in the Church of Christ. He who gave them, well knew what was in the heart of man. Well would it have been for the Church of Christ, if His words in this passage had received more attention! In the first place — the Lord Jesus gives us a warning against pride and self-conceit. We are told that "A dispute arose among the disciples, as to which of them would be the greatest."

The verses we have now read contain two most important warnings . They are directed against two of the commonest evils which are to be found in the Church of Christ. He who gave them, well knew what was in the heart of man. Well would it have been for the Church of Christ, if His words in this passage had received more attention! In the first place — the Lord Jesus gives us a warning against pride and self-conceit. We are told that "A dispute arose among the disciples, as to which of them would be the greatest." Astonishing as it may seem, this little company of fishermen and publicans — was not beyond the plague of a self-seeking and ambitious spirit. Filled with the vain notion that our Lord's kingdom was to appear immediately — they were ready to wrangle about their place and priority in it. Each thought that his own claim was the strongest. Each thought that his own deserts and right to honor, was most unquestionable. Each thought that whatever place was assigned to his brethren — a principal place ought to be assigned to himself. And all this happened in the company of Christ Himself — and under the noon-tide blaze of His teaching! Such is the prideful heart of man. There is something very instructive in this fact. It ought to sink down deeply into the heart of every Christian reader. Of all sins, there is none against which we have such need to watch and pray — as pride. It is a pestilence which walks in darkness, and a sickness which destroys at noon-day. No sin is so deeply rooted in our nature — as pride. It cleaves to us like our skin. Its roots never entirely die. They are ready, at any moment — to spring up, and exhibit a most pernicious vitality. At the same time, no sin is so senseless and deceitful . It can wear the garb of humility itself.

We forbade him - See this subject considered on Mar 9:38 (note), etc.