And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Mark 9:20
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 9:14-29, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method:
- What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus wants us to have faith (v19) - we must be completely and utterly dependent on Him for all things and desperate for His healing power in all things like the boys father was here. Jesus wants us to pray as a measure of our dependence - John Piper refers to this in this post as "no prayer no power." See also v29. V25 reminds us that God has providence over all things including evil and evil spirits. This is often a question for all people, including believers - if God is such a loving God why do bad things happen to good people. We don't know specifically, but we do know that evil exists since The Fall and that it will remain with us until Jesus returns during end times when He defeats Satan and Sin for all of eternity.
- What do we learn from the passage about people?: The scribes were arguing with the disciples (those who remained and did not go up the mountain with Jesus for the Transfiguration). While we don't know for sure the details of such an argument we can speculate that the scribes sought to be correct about their understanding of the law and how Jesus and the disciples were somehow violating the law with Jesus' ministry. There will always be those who seek to challenge us about the Word. We can stand on how the Gospel is true in our own life and how we have faith. People, including the disciples - see vv18-19, 29 are described as faithless and lacking in prayer. We can take notice how we should grow in both our faith and in our prayer/dependence on God.
- Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God wants us to claim the promise to believe as all things are possible for one who believes - v23.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that heals, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You save and You provide. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You heal and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please 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. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. 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.
