Crumbs 114

 

Crumbs 114

Helpless Humanity

Scripture Mark 9:14-19 NIV 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 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.” 19 “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.”

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Crumbs

This incident illustrates human need and divine sufficiency, The evil spirit had robbed the boy of his ability to express himself and control over his body. He was powerless. Too often this is where man devised life palliatives lead. All the disciples and scribes could offer were words and arguments. When Christians are confronted by a crying need the temptation is to pronounce a pontificating philosophy when what is needed is action. Not only “ I will pray for you” but “ I will help you!” The answer begins by being overwhelmed by Christ and then bringing the problem to Him.

The use of the words “spirit” poses a challenge. 21^st century person seeks a naturalistic explanation. 1^st century people would speak of evil spirits. I do not see them as contradictory, A scientific explanation does us holding a supernaturalistic one as well,

When Christ appears on the scene the reaction of the crowd teaches us so much. They were lost in wonder. They greeted Him. We all need to get to know Jesus by whatever means are available, in the word in life and in each other

A lesson from the transfiguration is re-endorsed. .The distraught father had gone to the disciples. Christ alone could do it. But we turn to our preachers, denominations and movement. They will not do. It has to be Christ alone.

Christ is aware of the shortening time and utters a profound be of advice that echoes down the years “Bring the boy to me” This lesson could be applied in so many situations .

Questions

1. What similarities are there between the state of the boy and the human race ?

2. Why were the disciples impotent ?.

3. What does this passage teach about the nature of good and evil ?