Bring Them to You

By: Xh. Sean Yang

Bible Passage: Mark 9:14-27

Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

Summary

Many of our parents, especially our Mothers raised in the church often believe that their children will one day also believe and know the beauty and power of Jesus Christ. Eventually they see how their children can change from a happy obeying individual, to an uncooperative person.

Life is definitely a battleground and our parent’s almost always want the best for their children. As children become older they become argumentative, they begin to fall into their nature of sin and some even end up turning away from the faith. They’ve become spiritually ill and it may not be the case of demon possession, but they no longer can see or hear God’s living words. Whatever it is that is causing them to turn away, whether demonic oppression, sinful desire, or unwillingness to see and hear. The parent’s faith and belief is so important to their children’s spiritual life.

Verse 19 says, “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

Jesus wasn’t so much yelling at the parents or the disciples, but rather what the culture has become. Many believe that once a child is 17 and older, they are their own person and are free to do as they please. Biblical culture says until a man and woman marry they are still a part of their parent’s rule. It is still your duty as a parent to bring your children to Jesus.

When the parent brought the boy to Jesus, the demon caused the boy to stop. Many times as you probably tried to bring your children to church and the enemy may cause and do whatever it takes to stop your children from coming to the Lord. Illness, physical afflictions, busyness, and/or life situations that will stop your children from coming to Jesus. We see in the example of the father bringing his son to Jesus. Though the parent believed that only Jesus can heal, it was the constant need and belief that Jesus and only Jesus can redeem.

Reflect

Have you as a parent brought your children to Jesus? Do you have enough faith and belief to have your children be strong in the Lord? It is the parent who nurtures and raises their children in the ways of the Lord. If there is some blockade or hindrance that’s causing your children to no longer see and hear God’s living word, is it not this example of the parent bringing their children to Jesus. Is your faith solely on Jesus Christ? Or is it the culture that leads you to believe that you’re no longer a parent because your children hit a certain age?

Pray

Heavenly we thank you for the cross of Jesus and his redeeming and healing power. Lord, we pray for the lost individuals that have stopped seeing and hearing your living word. We pray for guidance and healing peace that they may return and see you unwavering Love and Glory. We pray for the parents to have wisdom in raising their children and for them to be strong in you and you alone. To have faith that moves mountains and to be bold in raising their children in your biblical ways. God, thank you for your love and we pray in your name. Amen.