Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the WorldНамуна

First Thought

Rejoining the other disciples, Jesus, Peter, John, and James discovered a large crowd had gathered and a heated argument underway, triggered by the disciples’ failure to heal a boy whom Mark describes as possessed. It’s worth remembering that these very same disciples had experienced previous success in casting out demons. In this power struggle, though, they’d been defeated. Having dealt with the situation in public, Jesus responds to His disciples’ questions in private. This kind of demon can come out only by prayer, He tells them. Prayer and faith are closely related. Turning to God and trusting in Him make all the difference in the world. Might the disciples have started to imagine themselves independently empowered for such ministry? All authority and power belong to Jesus, Son of God. The disciples’ ministry was wholly dependent on Him. They had much still to learn.

What Does the Bible Say?

Imagine yourself as the boy’s father. What do you notice about Jesus when you put yourself in the father’s shoes? 

Living it Out

‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief’, he exclaimed. Is there a situation in your life right now where such a prayer to God would resonate? 

Responding in Prayer

Patient God, all power and authority in heaven and on earth belong to Jesus. Help me learn to turn to you and trust in Jesus (…). Lord, I believe; help me overcome my unbelief. Amen.