Mark 9:20-24 - Help for Unbelief

Mark 9:20-24
20 They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. 21 And He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

Message: Help for Unbelief

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:  

Preface - After coming down the mountain, from the transfiguration, Jesus encounters his other disciples with scribes and chatter is happening regarding a man with his son who is possessed with a spirit that makes him mute. The disciples saw this happening. Jesus remarks that he has before him still an unbelieving generation, for their is no sign that any healing of this boy has occurred.

As I am reading this passage, I am thinking of that Chicago Med episode I watched the other night. The mother concluded that the weird noises emitting from her daughter had to be the result of a demon in her. But, as the story went on, the doctors discovered repressed feelings from the girl having been molested by her father at a young age. No matter the outcome, the idea that the girl was possessed was met by the hospital staff as "how absurd." It was almost like explaining this situation as a spiritual thing rather than psychological or physical was absurd.

I read this passage and wonder if the demon possessions that Jesus is healing is actually the explanation of the day as to what is occurring in people's lives. Medicine and science were not well established at the time. And the very idea that something was occurring in a person made them to conclude that there must be an outside force infiltrating them. My good friend Bobby just had his 3rd cancer surgery to remove lymph nodes in his neck. He's had 110 nodes removed now and has been in surgery 17 hours total, told me this morning that, although microscopic, the cancer remains in him. As a follower of Christ, one of his thoughts of this is the result of sin in his life. And on the surface, it makes no sense for something like to happen. He is in fantastic physical condition. He is healthy. And yet this happens.

Thus, how do we explain things. We can't help but try to determine a reason why things happen in our lives. These days, we find comfort in medicine to cure what ails us in our lives. Yet, in these Bible times, medicine was somewhat not even an option for most. Natural remedies, herbs, and then hopefully healing were the sought after ways. Yet, even today, God uses medicine and doctors to heal people. It is generally all about who we end up praising when these things happen.

This is what I am thinking as I approach this passage. They brought the boy to Him. When he saw Him, immediately the spirit threw him into a convulsion, and falling to the ground, he began rolling around and foaming at the mouth. It seems clear that there is a spirit of sickness or possession, for when he saw Him (Jesus), the spirit reacted. Isn't that interesting, there was the thought that the spirit was in opposition to Jesus, almost like Jesus had authority and the spirit was resisting this authority.

Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood."
So this has been a life long problem for this child. But the man responds to Jesus not exactly exhibiting real faith. if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us! Jesus is bothered by these words, "If you can." He then responds with the same words, ‘If You can?’ It is interesting, Jesus expects a transfer of understanding to be happening in these people to the point that he is tired that the people aren't realizing faster what he can do, who he is. I wonder if he tires of this in our life. Do we have the same confidence that He will heal what ails us? I wonder if we take on the same meaning when we come to him and say, "If it be your will." Granted, it could be said we are surrendering to his will, but aren't we also questioning him. Shouldn't we not just come to him with confidence instead and simply pray.

Jesus responds - All things are possible to him who believes. Paul I think would echo these words in his letter to the Philippians when he says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Notice Jesus' words. He doesn't say that all things will happen, but says that all things are possible. There is a possibility that they will happen, but it starts with believing. Faith is the calling card here. People don't come to Jesus simply because they believe he offers a 'Get out of Hell free' card. Instead, we are to have faith, believe in Him. The question is not what God can do but whether we believe.

2 Chronicles 20:20 - They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.”

Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Is this not the struggle we all face. The back and forth of believing and not believing. I believe, but Lord help my unbelief. Keep me far from unbelief.

Summary - The father explains to Jesus that his son has been experiencing these convulsions for as long as he can remember. The disciples have admitted they can't do anything to fix the problem. The man then wonders if Jesus can. Jesus speaks plainly that it isn't a question of can he do it, but will the man believe that he can do it. All things are possible to him who believes.

Promise: Even the weakest trust in Christ is enough, for what is necessary to receive Him and all His benefits is true faith, not perfect faith.

Prayer: Lord, when I come to you, I pray that I would have faith, that I would believe. I pray that I would with confidence expect you to work. Like with my son Derek. Jesus save him. I believe and know you can so this is what I pray. Give wisdom to my son Tyson. Give him the desire to be his best, at everything. Help Megan to be understanding to everyone, especially Brandon. And pave the way for my wife, Pamela. May she be confident in You. Be near to her. Bring peace to her life. Bring perseverance to mine.