In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus and His three closest disciples have returned from the mount of Transfiguration into the challenges of ministry in the world. In this account, Jesus is asked to heal a boy with a powerful evil spirit. As always, Jesus shows compassion, wisdom, and divine power in dealing with the situation. Among the themes in the passage, one key issue is faith.
The father of the afflicted child comes to Jesus with mixed feelings. The man brings his son in the hope that Jesus or His disciples can do something to help. The initial efforts of the disciples have not been productive, and the man is hesitant when he talks to Jesus. Therefore, Jesus exhorts him to have a stronger faith. The man replies, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk 9:24).
Of course, Christ often encourages people to have stronger faith, and even believing Christians are often weak in faith. Human beings can be weak in two aspects of faith: belief and trust. In our passage, however, we see that even a struggling faith is an important beginning. The weak faith of the afflicted child's father serves as an opening for Jesus to work and to overcome evil. Human faith does not deliver the child; only the power, grace, and mercy of God in Christ can overcome evil and deliver the man's son. Yet, even a weak faith is a key response because it opens the way for God's work. So, let us be thankful that God in His perfect grace can use our imperfect faith in Christ and bring healing and redemption!
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