July 7, 2022

“But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:22b-24

One of the most valuable object lessons of redemption comes to us through the dear father of the young boy tormented by a cruel demon. The cries of that father to Jesus resonate with any thoughtful person who has struggled with serious challenges in our fallen world.

Just before, Peter, James, and John had witnessed the glorious transfiguration of Jesus right before their eyes as they were atop the mountain. The brilliant light of heaven had shown upon Jesus in the most dazzling and unforgettable sight! For the time being, they were instructed to “tell no one” (v.9) of the vision until “the Son of Man had risen from the dead.”

In dramatic contrast, as they descended back down the mountain, there was a dark and foreboding atmosphere over the crowd. The disciples who had remained at the base had been unsuccessful at casting the demon out of the little boy. As they, in the name of Christ, had commanded the torturing spirit to leave him, the demon seemed to mock them by a renewed display of its power. The religious leaders took advantage of the opportunity to humiliate the disciples, pressing in close with questions (v.14). They were motivated by a desire to “prove” that Jesus and His disciples were deceivers. But the glowing countenance of Jesus and the three with Him drew the crowd (v.15). This had a silencing effect on everyone but the boy’s father who cried out to Jesus to help his beloved son.

Jesus looked around, into the faces of the crowd: a mixture of those stricken with awe, the religious leaders who incessantly raised irrelevant objections, and the bewildered disciples. His piercing gaze saw unbelief in every heart. “O faithless generation…How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” (v.19)

Here, on the field of battle, the Prince of Peace and the prince of evil met face-to-face once again, as the little boy convulsed in agonizing shrieks. For a moment, Jesus allowed the demon to make a show of his power before the onlooking crowd (both seen and unseen), that they might comprehend the deliverance He was about to bring. The agonizing father had unwittingly mimicked Satan in using the word “if”: “If You can do anything” (compare w/Matthew 4:3,6). Jesus replied, “If you can believe…” and the father realized how his own lack of faith could affect his son. It is our faith that connects us with heaven! The father, realizing his weakness, uttered the famous cry that has become this writer’s daily prayer: “Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!”

Let’s move back to the ponderings of Peter, James and John. In a very brief space of time, they beheld two extremes of humanity: Jesus, radiant with heavenly glory and a young boy—made in the image of God—demeaned and demoralized into a likeness of Satan. In this very distressing and revolting scene, the mighty and radiant Redeemer stooped down to lift him up, the object lesson being one of the power of the Redeemer’s love. Yes, there must be times of spiritual illumination spent with the Savior. Such times are for empowerment to seek out souls whom Satan has enslaved. They are waiting for a word from heaven that will set them free…

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” John 14:12