Mark 9:14-29

Soon Jesus and the three came on the remaining nine disciples in the midst of a heated argument.

It turned out that a man had brought his boy with an unclean spirit to the disciples, begging them that they heal him. They had been powerless to do the boy any good, and their powerlessness had raised questioning among the bystanders as to whether, after all, they really had the gifts that had been so widely attributed to them.

It would seem that Jesus addressed his words of rebuke (Mark 9:19) not only to the nine disciples but also to the crowd, and especially, perhaps, to the scribes who were making capital out of the disciples' failure. Then he turned to the father of the boy and began to inquire as to the history of the boy's illness. The father was only too willing to tell Jesus the boy's story, and concluded by saying, But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us. (Mark 9:22)

To this Jesus replied, If you can? Everything is possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23). There is a note of concern in the father's reply. In effect he was saying, I believe but my faith is weak. Give me the power to have stronger faith. At this, Jesus released the boy from the power of the evil spirit.

The nine disciples were frankly embarrassed. Why had they failed so miserably? Jesus's answer gave them little room for comfort for he plainly told them that they could oo might works only after much prayer. Is it not equally true that our powerlessness as the followers of Jesus Christ is often due to our lack of devotion in prayer?