Jesus heals a boy possessed by an impure spirit

Shon George

Portrait of Jesus according to the Gospel of Mark • Sermon • Submitted a year ago

Unbelieving Generation

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Jesus returns from the mountain with three of his disciples to find people are arguing about the disciples failure to heal a demon possessed boy. Jesus takes the opportunity to exercise his power over impure spirits to teach an unbelieving generation the kingdom of God requires faith in Jesus from his people and a unceasing prayer life.

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Introduction

Jesus returns with his disciples from the mountain where He was transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah. A place where the Father again identified Jesus as His Son, whom He loves. This is the turning point in the Gospel because Jesus is now heading towards Jerusalem where He will suffer, be crucified, and rise from the dead (Lk 9:31).

Mark 9:14–29 NIV

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked. 17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

What does God say?

Verses 14-16:

large crowd around the disciples and teachers of the law arguing (intense dispute) with them.

crowd notices Jesus and were excited to see him (phrase is a possible echo to Israel’s response to Moses when he comes from the mountain or presence of God).

Jesus wants to know what dispute do they have with His disciples

Verses 17-19:

Father speaks up about having a son who is possessed by a spirit that has made him unable to speak

The spirit throws his sons into convulsions (seizure like symptoms)

He asked disciples to drive them out but they could not (What happened to authority given by Jesus to do so?)

Jesus responds by calling them an unbelieving generation (Who was he addressing?). His statements are one expressing general exasperation with the human condition as a whole. This echoes Dt 32:5. He then tells the father to bring to Him his son.

Verse 20:

The impure spirit responded to the presence of Jesus by throwing the boy into convulsions

Verses 21-22:

Jesus asked “how long the child has been like this?” The father’s response was since childhood. Why would Jesus ask that question? Quite possibly to bring to light this is not a temporary or recent issue, and to demonstrate the impressiveness of God’s power even in situations like this.

The father describes the most violent degree of what happens when the spirit overcomes the child (throws him into fire or water to kill him). Then the father responds with “if you can do anything.” This is a statement of possibilities. A statement of possibilities is a statement of doubt when associated with one’s ability to do something.

Verses 23-24:

Jesus responds with “If you can?” . . . “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Jesus’ response is meant to direct the father’s attention towards the power of God and believing nothing is impossible for Him.

The father’s response, “I do believe, help be overcome my unbelief” is an honest response to the power of Jesus and the limitations of the human condition.

Verses 25- 27:

Jesus commands the impure spirit to come out of the boy and never return again

The impure spirit violently leaves the boy, to the point he looked dead and the people around thought so as well

Jesus grabbed him by the hand and stood him up to show the boy indeed lives

Verses 28-29

As they normally do, the disciples asked Jesus privately why they could not drive out the spirit?

Jesus said “this kind comes out only by prayer.” Some manuscripts have fasting as well. However, what does is mean? Is Jesus suggesting there are different levels of difficulties when dealing with impure spirits? Remember, Jesus did not have difficulty with any of the impure spirits he encountered. Furthermore, Jesus did not pray and/or fast before exorcising the individuals possessed. He spoke, and it was done. On the contrary, the disciples were always reliant on the authority of Jesus. Therefore, it is most likely, Jesus’ statement is meant to identify the disciples failure to seek God in prayer and rely on His power and might.

What is our response?

Our faith is not our own but a gift given by God (Eph 2:8)

Jesus is the object of our faith

Be transparent in your prayer (ask God to help you in your unbelief)

Pray according to God’s will (1 John 5:14-15).

Understand “everything is possible the one who believes” does not mean according to your measure of faith. Its about understanding His power and that He is able to do the impossible.