Abide Together: Reflections on Mark 9

In Mark 9 the Transfiguration is recorded, Jesus heals a demon possessed boy, tells of his death and resurrection, ministers to children, exhorts the disciples to receive those that minister in His name and warns about causing others brothers and sisters to stumble. The thing that stands out to me most in this chapter is Jesus’ teaching on faith/belief. The disciples need their faith strengthened, the crowd needs their faith strengthened, the Jewish leaders need their faith strengthened, and the father of the demon possessed boy needs his faith strengthened. Jesus intended on healing the boy to strengthen everyone’s faith in HIM, therefore in verse 19 He commands them, “Bring him to Me!” After the demon throws the boy around and Jesus inquired as to how long this had been happening, the father said in verse 22, “But if You can do anything, take pity on us!” Jesus answered, “If You can?” – as if to say my ability to heal is not in question here, of course I can heal. The thing in question was the father’s faith, which was representative of everyone else’s faith gathered around. Jesus assures him, “All things are possible to him who believes.” The fathers response was, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” The father’s response was true of everyone standing around. They all seemed to have some measure of faith, but it needed to be strengthened so as to trust in Jesus alone. I too need my faith strengthened and I am so thankful that the object of my faith, Jesus, is the only one who can and will strengthen it. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.

– Bryan McKenzie