Day 120: Mark 9:19–29

Many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us (v. 22).

After nearly four decades of knowing Christ, I am only beginning to realize the magnitude of the sin of unbelief. The word “unbelieving” in verse 19 means “not worthy of confidence, untrustworthy.” This definition implies that when we are faithless, we are concluding that Christ is not worthy of our confidence, that He is . . . (I can hardly bring myself to write the word) . . . untrustworthy. The disciples’ unbelief was their willingness to let the temperature of their faith rise and fall according to their surrounding dynamics rather than God’s steadfast Word. The characteristic cause of all spiritual failure is lack of faith in God.

But the disciples weren’t the only ones having a crisis of faith here. The boy’s father had been through a lot watching his son suffer. He frequently feared for his son’s life. We can sympathize with the despair he felt. But unfortunately, like many people, he was far more familiar with the power of the devil than the power of the Son of God.

Even in our churches, many are learning more about the power of the devil than the omnipotence of the living God! Like the father in this passage, many do not understand that surrounding dynamics, like the length and depth of defeat, have absolutely no bearing on Christ’s ability to perform a miracle. Hear it again: no bearing.

Consider the dynamics of length and depth in our text today. We know from the father’s response to Jesus’ question that his son had suffered since childhood (Mark 9:21). Now, the reason Jesus asked how long the boy had been in his present state wasn’t because the answer had a bearing on Christ’s ability to free him. He asked the question for the purpose of framing a miracle against the backdrop of hopelessness. Then the father, after stating the hopelessness of the boy’s condition, made a statement that probably provokes a host of emotions in each of us: “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (Mark 9:22). I’d like to break down this phrase into several pieces, then consider Christ’s response.

• “But . . .” This one little word suggests the tiniest mustard seed of faith in the father—a seed Christ compassionately watered. I am continually moved by Christ’s willingness not just to meet us halfway but, like the father of the prodigal, to run the entire distance once we take the first step in His direction. The Word of God is filled with accounts of hopeless situations followed by that wonderful little word: “but . . .”! Because of His great compassion, sometimes that little whisper is all the invitation Jesus needs to show His power.

• “If You can.” Christ took exception to the father’s use of the word “if,” because when an action is consistent with the Word of God, the question is never if He can. It may be if He wills, but never if He can. When those who have access to Christ experience long-term defeat in their lives, it is often wrapped up in a continued “if You can” mentality. We who know Christ must always answer with a resounding: “Nothing is too hard for Him!”

In at least one way, you and I can’t claim the ignorance of the father in this story. We assume he didn’t know Christ personally. So Jesus didn’t reprove the father the same way He reproved the disciples. Like them, you and I know Christ Jesus as far more than a teacher rumored to possess supernatural power. We call Him Lord. Consider the irony of addressing Him as Master of the universe, then asking Him to come to our aid—if He can. Notice the next words from this distraught dad:

• “If You can do anything.” Contrast the two words from Mark 9 for a moment: “anything” (v. 22) and “everything” (v. 23). Dear one, Christ can’t just do anything. Christ can do everything! Stop wondering if Christ can do “anything” in your situation, and start believing Him to do “everything” glorious!

Immediately the father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” (v. 24). I can’t describe the encouragement this father’s honesty has given me through the years. First he cried out, “I do believe!” Then he confessed his unbelief. I believe the father changed his tune because he was looking straight into the face of truth. The closer we get to Jesus, the more difficult it is to stretch the truth.

The wonderful part of the father’s exclamation is his realization that, although he lacked faith, he wanted to believe! Then he did exactly what he should have done: he asked for help to overcome his unbelief.

I can’t count the times I’ve imitated this father’s actions. In my earlier days with God, I viewed faith as my willingness to make a believing statement with my mouth rather than face the questions of my heart. If only I had understood how Romans 10:10 reverses that order: “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

It’s time for a dramatic change of approach. If we don’t have bold faith, let’s start asking boldly for the faith we lack. Imagine the love of a God who says, “It’s true that without faith it is impossible to please Me. But I am so anxious to reward you with blessing, I’m even willing to supply the faith you lack. Ask Me, My child! Ask Me for what you lack! I am the only One who can help you overcome your unbelief!”