Mark 9 Devotional

Help for Faith That Wavers

“Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!””Mark 9:24 (BSB)

Mark 9 begins on a mountain. Jesus is transfigured, his clothes shining brighter than any earthly bleach could make them, and the Father's voice calls him his beloved Son and tells the disciples to listen to him (9:2-7). Then Jesus comes down into a scene of failure. A father has brought his son, troubled since childhood by a spirit that throws him into fire and water, and the disciples could not drive it out (9:18, 9:21-22).

The father's plea is honest and unsteady: if Jesus can do anything, would he have compassion and help. Jesus throws the if back to him, and the man cries out that he does believe, and asks Jesus to help him where his faith falls short (9:23-24). Jesus does not wait for stronger faith. He drives out the spirit, takes the boy by the hand, and lifts him up (9:25-27). The glorious Son on the mountain is the same one who meets wavering faith at the bottom of it. You can bring him your trust and your doubts together.

To think about: Where is your faith mixed with doubt right now, and what would it sound like to tell Jesus so honestly?