The passage from Mark 9 follows a significant moment in the life of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples Peter, James and John. The moment is literally a “mountain top experience”, where Jesus is transfigured before them. They had the opportunity through what they saw and heard, to make their faith in Jesus real for themselves and to take ownership of it as their own faith, for the rest of their lives.
Immediately following this story, they come down the hill. Some, if not all, of the Disciples of Jesus are engaged in a conversation with the teachers of the Law (Pharisees). They are embroiled in a deeply theological or political moment that temporarily side-tracks them from their experience. Somehow and from somewhere – stage left – Jesus appears. He asks the disciples, “What are you arguing with them about?”
At the same time, a man who is the father of his son, comes to Jesus. The son is overcome with anw evil spirit that most modern scholars believe is epilepsy. Side note – the father actually came to see the Disciples of Jesus, but remember they were busy with the Pharisee’s. No doubt Jesus offers an eye roll and then questions the father about his need. We all know the story well. Inside this text, four movements come together to give us an opportunity to consider our own spiritual life.
If you can do anything…
If you can?
I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
“This kind can come out only by prayer.”
The father is my favorite character in the Bible. He is so honest about his situation and the care he has for his son. But he has something else going for him and that is his openness. Openness to be led, to make a change, to trust and to believe. He only gets to this place by exploring his doubts and even giving voice to them in the presence of Jesus. I hope you are bringing your doubts with you today, for they are the only way for you to “Claim My Faith.”