Faith without Limits
“When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.
A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
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 one who believes.”
Mark 9:14-23 (New International Version)
Jesus had just been transfigured and now He joins the other disciples who were embroiled in an argument with the teachers of the law. Many had heard of the miracles that Jesus performed and when the crowd saw Him they turned from those in disagreement and focused their attention on Christ. Jesus wanted to know what they were arguing about and asked however before they could respond the man who had come to them for help spoke up. He explained his dilemma and the disciples’ inability to help him. Once he finished his discourse he asks Jesus “if you can do anything, take pity on us…”. To this Jesus responds “If you can”.
Jesus knew what He could do. It wasn’t a matter of Jesus’ ability but of the father’s faith in Jesus’ ability to heal and his ability to believe that He could and would heal.
Knowing what Jesus can do is important but trusting what Jesus can do demonstrates firm faith. Never doubt Jesus’ ability instead carefully consider what you really believe.
©2018-2019 Mamie Johnson Ministries