And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.”

Mark 9:14-19

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 9:14-29.  Excerpts from the second (of three) division (vv19-27):

• For the second division, the title is: "We Never Advance Beyond Our Need for Faith."
• "The author of Hebrews tells us, “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him” (11:6). But how much belief—how much faith—do we need? A lot? Must it be perfect? No. Faith the size of a tiny little mustard seed will do just fine (Matthew 17:20). The key is not the depth of our faith but the direction of our faith. What is important is not the potency of our faith but the Person our faith is in. A little faith in a great Savior gets amazing results!"  
• "Though the man’s faith is weak and small, he is at least looking in the right direction and asking the right Person for help. Unlike the leper in Mark 1:40-45, the father raised not a “would” question but a “could” question. The leper knew Jesus could help, but would He? The father believed Jesus would help, but could He? Well, he is about to find out!"  
• "Jesus responds in surprise. If He can?! “Everything is possible to the one who believes.” Divine ability is not the problem; human unbelief is. There is a reliable bridge between human weakness on the one hand and divine sufficiency and power on the other. It is called faith, trust, and dependency. Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!'"  
• "Jesus here provides insight into the meaning of His own death and resurrection. Satanic powers bring death, but divine power brings resurrection life. This is what dependent faith can see!"

Encouraging words from the text and emphasized by the commentary: that our weakness and utter dependence on God for His provision and protection should drive us into His arms.  I am reminded of those in scripture - such as the woman bleeding for 12 years - simply wanted to touch Jesus' garment to access the His power. See this in the following gospels: Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, and Luke 8:43-48.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that heals and saves.  I have seen the work of Your hand and I am grateful.  I am not deserving of such blessings as my salvation and how You pour out mercies for me daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Will You please help me with my unbelief - it continues I know in corners of my life.  Please provide wisdom and energy to Lisa and myself.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.