Another interesting difference between the sayings of Jesus appears in Matthew 12:30 and Mark 9:40. Both passages discuss the relationship between being on Jesus’ side and being against him, yet their wording seems to suggest opposite positions. This difference is discussed by biblical scholars, including Bart D. Ehrman in his book Jesus Interrupted.
In Matthew 12:30, Jesus declares, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” In this passage, Jesus draws a clear distinction between those who support his mission and those who oppose it. The statement appears in the context of an accusation that Jesus casts out demons through the power of Beelzebul. Jesus responds to his critics by explaining the division between his work and the forces opposing it. His words emphasize the seriousness of choosing a side in this particular conflict.
Mark 9:40, however, records a different statement: “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Here, the context is quite different. The disciples have seen someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name and have tried to stop him because he is not part of their group. Jesus tells them not to prevent the person from doing so. He explains that someone who performs a deed of power in his name is unlikely to turn around and speak evil of him. In this situation, Jesus encourages the disciples not to reject someone simply because that person does not belong to their immediate circle.
At first glance, the two sayings seem to contradict each other. Matthew presents a statement in which not being with Jesus means being against him, while Mark presents a statement in which not being against Jesus means being for him. If both sayings are understood as universal rules applying to every situation, their meanings appear difficult to reconcile.
However, context offers a possible explanation. In Matthew, Jesus is responding to people who challenge his work and attribute it to an evil power. His statement emphasizes the division between his mission and active opposition to it. In Mark, he is correcting his own disciples for trying to exclude someone who is doing good in his name. His statement challenges their narrow understanding of who can participate in Jesus’ work.
The difference may therefore reflect two distinct situations rather than a direct contradiction in every possible sense. One saying warns against opposing Jesus’ mission, while the other warns against assuming that everyone outside the disciples’ group is an enemy. Nevertheless, the contrasting formulations raise an important question about how the sayings should be understood and applied.
This example demonstrates why examining biblical passages in their immediate contexts is essential. Similar expressions can communicate different ideas depending on the circumstances in which they are spoken. At the same time, the apparent tension between these sayings remains an interesting subject for readers exploring differences among the Gospels.
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