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Mark 9:20-29
In Mark 9:20-29 the demon possessed boy was brought to Jesus for healing. The boy’s father pleads with Jesus to heal him, and Jesus replies, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23, NKJV). When Jesus commanded the evil spirit to come out of the boy, the evil spirit fought and did its best to control the boy; some believed that the boy was dead at the end of the demonic fit. But what was presumed to be dead came to life when Jesus took the boy by the hand. Later, the disciples of Jesus asked Him of why they could not cast out the demon. Jesus’ reply (Mark 9:29) was, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” This may seem odd as Jesus did not resort to prayer and fasting before He cast out the demon, but His remarks were directed to His disciples who were concerned why they could not cast out the demon. Jesus wanted them to know that demons are not cast out by the power of His disciples, but by the power of God. Jesus wanted to make sure that His disciples did not fall into the trap of believing in themselves, but in the power He gave them in Mark 6:7-13, which is from God in heaven.
This is a promise of the healing power of Jesus that should always be our focus in the gifts He gives us.
There are two big takeaways in this lesson, but I wanted, and felt that they should stay in the same lesson: (1) The words of Jesus in Mark 9:23, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The Bible teaches us in Hebrews 11:6, “but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” And in John 20:30-31 the Bible teaches us, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (2) Jesus had given His disciples power over unclean spirits when He sent them out (Mark 6), but it is possible that as they put the power of Jesus into action, they became complacent, believing in themselves instead of the source of the power that they were given. King Solomon teaches us in Proverbs 3:5-8,
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own
understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.”
Dear LORD,
You have taught us two things today; that we have to believe, and that our belief must be in You. You have given us a Savior to heal us and to empower us to overcome the wiles of the devil. Please help us as we cry out to You as did the man who brought his demon possessed son to You in Mark 9:24, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” In Jesus name I pray, amen.