Note 2 at Lk. 9:50: This man whom the disciples rebuked was doing the works of Jesus (Jn. 14:12)--not the works of the devil. Jesus is saying that whoever is doing God's work is on our side even if he isn't doing it exactly the way we do (see note 10 at Mk. 9:38, below). We shouldn't rebuke him.

Actions are the sure test of whose side we are on (1 Jn. 2:29; 3:7,10). A contrasting scripture in Matthew 12:30 says "He that is not with me is against me." If we call Jesus Lord but don't do the things He tells us to do (Lk. 6:46), our profession is worthless. "Faith without works is dead" (Jas. 2:20). "Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them" (Mt. 7:20).