The disciples were not able to drive out the demon from a boy, so Jesus has to step in and take care of the issue. But there’s a broader issue at stake here: complete faith. Memorable quotes like “Faith of a mustard seed to move a mountain,” and “everything is possible” for those who truly believe come from this passage.
Matthew 17:14-20, Mark 9:14-29, Luke 9:37-43a
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This passage has something to do with the healing of a boy with a deaf and mute spirit, but it has much more to do with quality of faith in those who profess to believe in Christ. To be sure, the father of the boy is at his wits end when he confronts Jesus when he says, “if you can do anything…” Jesus turns the question around on the man and tells him, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Here the man is faced with the truth that we so often shy away from. His reaction is to proclaim “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
It’s interesting that Jesus hears the father’s confession and immediately heals the boy. There are so many times that we run into obstacles that seem to stop us in our tracks. Fighting with all my might there are times when I try to move the impossible because I forget to stop and take time to pray, to fully understand the situation. God only wants the best for his children, he does not confuse our plans–only Satan works to cause us pain and suffering.
When my faith is at its weakest, problems arise and seem insurmountable, but God’s plan works through it anyway (no surprise). Hindsight proves this time and time again. Lord, I do believe, please help me with my unbelief.