What Jesus Did! 'Rebuke from Concern' — Mark 9:18-19

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

[A man in the crowd said to Jesus,] "... I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it."

Jesus said to them, "You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

— Mark 9:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

Don't you know that, at times, Jesus exasperated with his apostles? On this occasion, the Lord was more than frustrated. He had given his disciples the power to do what needed to be done. But this time, they didn't do it. They even thought they couldn't do it, so of course, they couldn't! I appreciate Jesus' honest rebuke. Often, I fear, we do far less than we are capable of doing because we lack the faith to try and don't pray for God's power to be exerted. Even worse, we do far less than God wants us to do because we lack the faith in him to see us do more than we could imagine. [1]

[1] Ephesians 3:20-21.

Today's Prayer

O Lord God almighty, you are capable of doing anything your heart desires. I recognize that my lack of faith often inhibits your desire to work in the world through me. Please increase my faith. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 6:1-6
  • Mark 10:27
  • Ephesians 3:20-21

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:18-19 NLT — "... I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn't do it." —— "You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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