Healing Despite Unbelief

Mark 9:14-29

14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Why did Jesus heal the boy when the Father expressed unbelief?
4 Reasons Why Jesus Healed the Boy, Despite the Father's Unbelief

1. Jesus felt compassion for the Father and his son. They were dealing with a problem that was beyond their control and understanding. Jesus' compassion for us, and our problems, is as powerful as His compassion was for them. The cross shows Jesus' ultimate compassion.
2. The Father was searching for the answer. He was serious about finding healing for his son. How serious are we searching for answers to our problems? How far are we willing to go to find healing? Are we even concerned about being healed?
3. The Father was completely honest about his son's need and his own need. We should be completely honest with God about our needs when we pray. God knows when we are lying, so who are we trying to fool anyway? Be honest with God.
4. The Father asked for help for his son and himself. Help for his son was no longer enough, the Father also needed spiritual help. How often do we ask for help from God? Or do we just assume God is somehow obliged to help us? Often God will not help us before we ask.

In review, the 4 reasons for the healing are: Jesus' compassion; the Father's searching; the Father's honesty; and the Father's asking for help.
I believe Jesus dealt with two people and both the Son and the Father went away healed.

All scripture quotations are from the Authorized or King James Version of the Holy Bible.
© 2005 Michael Yarnell