DAY TWENTY-FOUR – Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Mark 9:14-29
Jesus heals a boy with an evil spirit. Pretty straightforward, especially for Jesus.
But some things jump out to me as I read and re-read the passage. Why does Jesus sound irritated? Why are people arguing at the beginning? And why couldn’t the other disciples heal the child?
I picture the scene like this: Jesus is walking down from a heavenly experience on the mountain to join the other disciples and sees a commotion. There’s a crowd, and everyone is yelling! The disciples are vehemently claiming – they’ve cured plenty of people; of course, they can heal the boy! And the teachers of the law (or scribes) are yelling - the disciples are clearly not qualified to drive out the demon.
“I'm right”!
“No, I’m right – you’re wrong!”
“What’s your source???”
No wonder Jesus is irritated!
Still picturing the scene, I find it funny that Jesus yells in exasperation, “How long do I have to put up with you?” [insert Hercules disappointed meme here!]. And either it’s Jesus’ sense of humour or his commanding presence (or both), but the spirit, recognizing Jesus, throws the boy to the ground.
Jesus says to the spirits, “Be gone.” And they go, and the boy is healed.
But why couldn’t the disciples do the same thing?
Does it have anything to do with the commotion earlier?
How many times have I argued with myself or someone else in my head about a perceived injustice? I think that (of course) I’m right in my belief, and others are wrong.
We may even recognize this playing out on message boards, media, and social media. People are constantly arguing and retorting with, “What’s your source?”
And ultimately, Jesus’s answer is - in prayer.
“Only prayer can drive the spirits away.”
It doesn’t matter if I’m right and everyone is wrong.
This passage reminds me that the source I have for peace and joy comes from God.
It reminds me in these times when I struggle, when I become overwhelmed and confused, when my thoughts are all in a commotion, that Jesus’ message is to have faith, faith as big as a mustard seed, and to take a moment in prayer.
Ultimately, our healing is possible in prayer. Amen.
Jodi Janwin
Mark 9:14-29
Jesus heals a boy with an evil spirit. Pretty straightforward, especially for Jesus.
But some things jump out to me as I read and re-read the passage. Why does Jesus sound irritated? Why are people arguing at the beginning? And why couldn’t the other disciples heal the child?
I picture the scene like this: Jesus is walking down from a heavenly experience on the mountain to join the other disciples and sees a commotion. There’s a crowd, and everyone is yelling! The disciples are vehemently claiming – they’ve cured plenty of people; of course, they can heal the boy! And the teachers of the law (or scribes) are yelling - the disciples are clearly not qualified to drive out the demon.
“I'm right”!
“No, I’m right – you’re wrong!”
“What’s your source???”
No wonder Jesus is irritated!
Still picturing the scene, I find it funny that Jesus yells in exasperation, “How long do I have to put up with you?” [insert Hercules disappointed meme here!]. And either it’s Jesus’ sense of humour or his commanding presence (or both), but the spirit, recognizing Jesus, throws the boy to the ground.
Jesus says to the spirits, “Be gone.” And they go, and the boy is healed.
But why couldn’t the disciples do the same thing?
Does it have anything to do with the commotion earlier?
How many times have I argued with myself or someone else in my head about a perceived injustice? I think that (of course) I’m right in my belief, and others are wrong.
We may even recognize this playing out on message boards, media, and social media. People are constantly arguing and retorting with, “What’s your source?”
And ultimately, Jesus’s answer is - in prayer.
“Only prayer can drive the spirits away.”
It doesn’t matter if I’m right and everyone is wrong.
This passage reminds me that the source I have for peace and joy comes from God.
It reminds me in these times when I struggle, when I become overwhelmed and confused, when my thoughts are all in a commotion, that Jesus’ message is to have faith, faith as big as a mustard seed, and to take a moment in prayer.
Ultimately, our healing is possible in prayer. Amen.
Jodi Janwin
