Tag: Mark 9
All things are possible!
Scripture reading for February 20: Mark 9
“And they brought the boy to Him. And when the spirit saw Him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his Father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”” Mark 9:20-23
Jesus had been on the Mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James and John. There they had witnessed Jesus in a glorified body meeting with Moses and Elijah and heard the testimony of God the Father concerning Jesus. When they returned to the rest of the disciples, there was a commotion over a failed healing and deliverance. A man had brough his demon-tormented son to the disciples for help, but they could not help. Jesus rebuked them sharply for their unbelief and requested the boy be brought to Him. Upon seeing Jesus, the boy convulsed violently and was thrown to the ground foaming at the mouth.
Jesus questioned the father concerning the boy’s condition. He had been tormented from early in life. The father asked Jesus for help, if He could do anything. This father was skeptical after the disciples had failed and he had lived with the condition in his son all his life. Jesus mildly rebuked him. The ‘if You can’ attitude must be repented of and replaced by faith and confidence in God’s goodness and power. The father’s confession and prayer help us to have the correct attitude of faith and dependence: “I believe! Help my unbelief.”
Have you ever gone to God or God’s people with a need that seemed impossible? Have you faced failure and become skeptical of God’s ability or willingness to help? Take a moment and pray a prayer inspired by this story in Scripture designed to help you receive the ‘impossible’ by faith!
Prayer: Father God, I do believe but have become complacent and possibly skeptical about Your willingness and ability to help me or my relatives. Forgive my unbelief! I believe that with You, all things are possible as I fully believe in You. Amen! Amen!
Overcoming unbelief!
Scripture reading for February 22nd: Mark 9
Key scriptures for over-comers: Mark 9:21-24 “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can?'” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”
This demon possessed boy’s father had brought his child to the disciples for deliverance, but they were unable to help him. When Jesus arrived back with Peter, James and John, from the glorious transformation experience, He ministered to this man and his son. He heard the explanation of the demon trying to kill the boy and found out that this condition existed from childhood. We are not told how this happened, except that this boy’s life was in grave danger from these demonic attacks.
As Jesus was talking with this father, the man humbly asked Him, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus quickly corrected his wavering statement of “If” with a promise that “Everything is possible for him who believes.” This desperate man caught on quickly, stating his faith and asking for help with his human unbelief! Jesus met him where he was and his son was delivered!
Observations for over-comers: Sometimes our human tendencies to question God’s ability creep into our reasoning in difficult situations. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring quick correction and help to stand firm! “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills His purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me, God sends His love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 57:2-3)
Disciples arguing about position!
Scripture reading for February 20th: Mark 9
Peter, James, and John got to go up on the mountain and see Jesus transfigured and meet with Moses and Elijah in their glorified state. While up there, the other disciples tried to cast a demon out of a child and failed. Jesus rebuked them and finished the exorcism. Jesus continued their instruction concerning His coming death and resurrection. None of them understood and they were afraid to question Jesus about this.
Instead, on the way to Capernaum, they got into an argument about who was the greatest! Jesus was aware that they were arguing and called them all sit down for more instruction. “He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever welcomes on of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.” (Mark 9:36-37) These disciples had argued among themselves and now admitted that they had rebuked a man who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name because he wasn’t one of them! Jesus wanted to get their attention with the little child as an object lesson.
“And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to b e thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.” (Mark 9:42) There is no room for religious pride among the followers of Jesus. There will be many different people that may not be in our group who love Jesus. Rebuking them or hindering them because of feeling superior could send us down the wrong path! Check out your heart! “Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50