April 19 - O Unbelieving Generation

April 19 - O Unbelieving Generation - Mark 9:14-50

Jesus and the three disciples showed up just in time to hear the rest of the disciples in the middle of an argument with the Pharisees. The onlookers couldn't believe that He had shown up. They were thrilled. This was the one man that could set those Pharisees back and force them to see what the Spirit of the Law was rather than the letter of the Law.

What was the problem? The disciples had been unable to drive an evil spirit from a young child. Now remember, Jesus had given them authority over demons and evil spirits and they couldn't follow through. Jesus expressed tremendous sorrow over the fact that these men were still unable to do things without Him being right there among them. (Mark 9:14-18)

This poor boy had been seized with these fits by the spirit since he was just a child. Jesus' compassion was great. The father's faith was a little bit unsettled by the disciples and their lack of power. He wasn't fully certain that Jesus could do it. "If you can?" replied Jesus. This was not about Jesus' power, but about the father's faith. It wasn't about what the disciples had been able to do in the past, but that they had not prayerfully gone before the Father to allow Him to work through them. (Mark 9:19-32)

Jesus' teaching on greatness is difficult to accept. It is actually quite simple to understand. In His kingdom, the servant is greater than the master. This attitude runs completely opposite to our attitudes on getting ahead and the great American dream. Which is most important to you - God's kingdom or your own? (Mark 9:33-37)

We actually get a little offended when others teach the Good News without our input sometimes - especially when we don't know where they've come from! That kind of makes me think about the power that comes from being in charge and not being able to delegate because no one can do it as well as we might. Jesus knew all about power - real and manmade. The servant ... those who work miracles in His name without being a part of the inner circle ... and power that we have in leading people to Jesus. (Mark 9:38-41)

With great power comes great responsibility. We have at our hands the greatest power in the Universe. Our responsibility to those around us is immense.