coming off a mountain-top experience.
The Transfiguration.
The three had just been given a glimpse of who Jesus really is.
The other nine were down below arguing
with the religious leaders. Again.
When the crowds saw Jesus they ran to Him.
People still do that when we exalt Jesus.
Jesus asked. "What are you arguing about?"
He knew what was going on even though He wasn't physically there.
His disciples went curiously quiet.
Finally someone spoke up.
“Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk.18 And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.”
After ripping His disciples, He turns to the family and asks them a question.
“How long has this been happening?”
Their reply;
“Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
Jesus had just come off the mountain and already this is His third encounter with faithlessness.
1) The Religious Leaders (we expect that from them).
2) His own disciples (they're still learning).
3. The family of the demon possessed boy.
There is so much great stuff in this story.
But let's remember something really important.
Please notice this:
Notice how Jesus was not intimidated by the situation.
Notice how He wasn't concerned that His own disciples were in over their heads.
I don't see Jesus quaking in His sandals
over this spirit that refused to obey the disciples.
I don't see Him huddling with the 12 putting a strategy together based on the latest and greatest research study.
I don't see Him pacing or even the least bit concerned.
Jesus walks in and takes complete control of the situation.
He wasn't in over His head.
Never has been.
Never will be.
The only thing that has ever left Jesus stumped is lack of belief.
Friends, whatever we face,
our God is not left stumped over what to do.
Trust in Jesus in all situations.
Even the seemingly impossible.
Even if you've tried your very best.
Walk in the confidence of Jesus.
With God, nothing is impossible.
RP
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