What’s the difference between a “Tattle Tale” and a “Whistle Blower?”

A “Tattle Tale” tells a powerful figure about the minor offenses or negligence of a peer, with the hope that the offender will be punished and they will be rewarded.

A “Whistle Blower” tells a powerful figure or publicly reveals the harmful and corrupt practices of a peer or a superior with the hope that the offender will be brought to justice and victims can experience restoration. The reporter often faces personal loss and sacrifice for the sake of justice.

In this week’s reading John becomes a “Tattle Tale.” He tells Jesus about someone who wasn’t one of the twelve disciples, but was casting out demons through the power of Jesus. It seems John wanted it to be clear that only those closest to Jesus could act on behalf of the Kingdom of God. Jesus defied John’s expectations and encouraged his disciples to see the possibility that God could work through even the most unexpected people and circumstances.