No middle ground

Jesus said this in the middle of a fierce debate about the source of his power. Elsewhere he seems to say the opposite: anyone not against us is on our side. That was when his disciples had tried to stop someone driving out demons in his name. When it comes to other people, you can afford to be generous.

Here the question is where you yourself stand. Towards Jesus, no one can stay neutral. The image may be that of a shepherd with his flock, or of the harvest. Whoever does not help to gather is scattering, even if they think they are only looking on.