WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.720 All right, well as we come to the word this morning, last Sunday just as a reminder we heard about what happened with Jesus up on the mountain. 00:00:08.720 --> 00:00:24.920 ! Witnessed by Peter, James, and John. They saw the glory of Jesus. They were enveloped by that bright cloud from which God spoke and gave testimony to his son. 00:00:24.920 --> 00:00:33.060 And then Jesus ordered Peter, James, and John not to say anything about what they saw until after he had risen from the dead. 00:00:34.120 --> 00:00:48.420 Well, the next day they made their way back down the mountain only to find that Jesus' disciples, the rest of them, other than Peter, James, and John, were surrounded by this great crowd of people. 00:00:48.880 --> 00:00:53.460 We pick up the story in Luke chapter 9, verse 37. 00:00:54.920 --> 00:01:03.380 The next day when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. 00:01:04.680 --> 00:01:07.180 A man in the crowd called out, 00:01:07.180 --> 00:01:13.440 Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 00:01:14.600 --> 00:01:17.480 A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams. 00:01:18.440 --> 00:01:23.320 It throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. 00:01:24.500 --> 00:01:28.640 It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. 00:01:28.640 --> 00:01:37.239 I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not. 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:50.260 Mark, in his gospel, actually gives the most detail about what happened here, including the moment when Jesus and the three who are with him first arrive. 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:54.439 Listen to how Mark tells us in Mark chapter 9, verse 14. 00:01:55.439 --> 00:02:01.180 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:08.280 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 00:02:10.379 --> 00:02:12.360 What are you arguing with them about? 00:02:12.360 --> 00:02:13.820 Jesus asked. 00:02:15.660 --> 00:02:17.260 And a man in the crowd answered, 00:02:17.380 --> 00:02:19.040 Teacher, I brought you my son. 00:02:20.020 --> 00:02:21.660 You can almost picture this. 00:02:21.960 --> 00:02:24.300 There's this commotion happening in the crowd. 00:02:24.940 --> 00:02:27.860 Jesus' other nine disciples are right in the middle of this. 00:02:28.220 --> 00:02:30.580 And then the teachers of the law are there too. 00:02:30.700 --> 00:02:33.240 And they're arguing with Jesus' disciples. 00:02:33.240 --> 00:02:35.840 And then there's this one man here. 00:02:37.280 --> 00:02:42.060 And all the people are standing around and kind of caught up in this moment. 00:02:43.080 --> 00:02:46.740 And then all of a sudden, Jesus approaches with Peter, James, and John. 00:02:46.960 --> 00:02:50.500 And this feeling of excitement just sweeps over all of them. 00:02:50.840 --> 00:02:52.120 And they run to him. 00:02:53.560 --> 00:02:58.660 And I can't help but wonder what they're thinking in this moment as Jesus arrives. 00:02:59.719 --> 00:03:03.060 Perhaps for the nine disciples that Jesus had left behind, 00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:06.780 you know, I imagine them feeling utterly relieved. 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:10.840 Like, oh, here comes Jesus. 00:03:11.219 --> 00:03:12.840 He's going to sort all this out. 00:03:13.200 --> 00:03:16.520 He always knows just what to say to the teachers of the law. 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:20.360 And he's going to know what to do about this man's son as well. 00:03:22.140 --> 00:03:27.840 And then for the people, perhaps, look, there's Jesus. 00:03:28.460 --> 00:03:30.460 Let's see what he has to say about all this. 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:32.920 Maybe he can help this man's son. 00:03:33.240 --> 00:03:36.219 I don't know. 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:41.200 Maybe some of them even thought that Jesus might meet his match with this particular spirit. 00:03:42.280 --> 00:03:44.600 The disciples couldn't do anything about it. 00:03:46.140 --> 00:03:50.620 And then for this man, the father of the afflicted son. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:55.920 You know, I imagine that he had this deep mixture of disappointment. 00:03:57.180 --> 00:04:00.020 That these disciples of Jesus couldn't help. 00:04:00.020 --> 00:04:13.540 But maybe there was also a spark of hope with Jesus' arrival that maybe he can do what his apprentices can't. 00:04:13.539 --> 00:04:18.599 And Jesus walks up to his disciples. 00:04:18.600 --> 00:04:32.860 At this point, as we just heard from Luke, the father comes before Jesus. 00:04:32.860 --> 00:04:36.280 Matthew tells us that he actually knelt before Jesus. 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:40.160 And he begins to explain to Jesus what this is all about. 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:42.060 There's this spirit. 00:04:43.280 --> 00:04:45.360 And it seizes my son. 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:49.160 And when it happens, he suddenly screams. 00:04:50.340 --> 00:04:53.420 And the spirit throws him into convulsions. 00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:56.060 And he foams at the mouth. 00:04:57.980 --> 00:04:59.920 Mark includes even more details. 00:05:00.420 --> 00:05:03.740 This spirit has robbed him of speech. 00:05:03.740 --> 00:05:07.740 And when it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. 00:05:08.680 --> 00:05:12.780 He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. 00:05:14.780 --> 00:05:17.420 Also in Mark, a little bit later in the conversation, 00:05:19.420 --> 00:05:21.120 the man, the father says, 00:05:21.199 --> 00:05:25.680 it has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. 00:05:28.139 --> 00:05:32.000 The father says that this spirit scarcely ever leaves him. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:34.079 And it's destroying him. 00:05:34.819 --> 00:05:38.339 Some translations say it severely bruises him. 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:46.439 It's heart-wrenching even to think about this happening to a young boy. 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:53.300 One of the things that many have noticed here 00:05:53.300 --> 00:05:57.339 is that some of the symptoms that this boy is experiencing 00:05:57.339 --> 00:06:00.339 are the same as what people with epilepsy experience 00:06:00.339 --> 00:06:02.039 when they have a seizure. 00:06:03.239 --> 00:06:06.439 And I think we should just talk about that for a minute. 00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:12.099 Matthew in his gospel actually uses the ancient term for epilepsy here. 00:06:14.479 --> 00:06:17.959 Quite literally, he was moonstruck. 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:19.899 That was their word for it. 00:06:20.479 --> 00:06:21.000 Moonstruck. 00:06:21.000 --> 00:06:25.379 That's what we get the term lunatic from. 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:29.660 And back then, it's because they associated that behavior, 00:06:30.180 --> 00:06:30.779 the seizures, 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:34.800 with sort of the transcendent powers of the moon 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:37.160 in their understanding of things. 00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:42.160 So they had this very specific word to describe these symptoms. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:46.220 And even today, we know that people with epilepsy 00:06:46.220 --> 00:06:48.380 sometimes have grand mal seizures, 00:06:48.380 --> 00:06:50.920 which leads to convulsions on the ground 00:06:50.920 --> 00:06:52.980 and even foaming at the mouth. 00:06:54.140 --> 00:06:56.100 And the foaming at the mouth 00:06:56.100 --> 00:06:59.180 is caused by the clamping of the jaw muscles, 00:06:59.540 --> 00:07:03.180 which makes it impossible to swallow normally. 00:07:03.180 --> 00:07:07.180 And then the rapid breathing and the shaking 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:11.819 lead to saliva frothing or foaming in the mouth. 00:07:13.519 --> 00:07:16.460 But we also notice that all three gospels 00:07:16.460 --> 00:07:20.040 are quite clear that what this boy is experiencing 00:07:20.040 --> 00:07:23.019 is caused by this evil spirit, 00:07:23.660 --> 00:07:24.639 this demon. 00:07:26.660 --> 00:07:28.180 Now that might make us wonder 00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:30.519 if there's a connection between evil spirits 00:07:30.519 --> 00:07:33.399 and certain disabilities 00:07:33.399 --> 00:07:35.620 or health conditions. 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:38.120 As Mark says in his gospel, 00:07:38.279 --> 00:07:41.359 the spirit also robbed him of his speech. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:43.839 It made him mute. 00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:47.159 And so naturally, we may wonder 00:07:47.159 --> 00:07:50.759 how many severe disabilities or disorders 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:52.599 are caused by evil spirits. 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:56.979 And I think we need to be very careful here. 00:07:58.399 --> 00:08:00.299 First, there's nothing here to say 00:08:00.300 --> 00:08:01.759 that all mute people 00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:04.220 or all people who have epilepsy 00:08:04.220 --> 00:08:07.079 are possessed or demonized. 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:12.199 But second, there is evidence here 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:15.240 that demon possession can result 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:18.600 in severe bodily harm or disability. 00:08:21.100 --> 00:08:23.240 So we don't want to deny the effects 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.420 of the spirit altogether 00:08:24.420 --> 00:08:26.300 because it clearly can happen 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:27.939 and did in this boy's life. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:31.500 Neither do we want to take it 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:32.440 to the other extreme 00:08:32.440 --> 00:08:35.179 and assume that all or even most disabilities 00:08:35.179 --> 00:08:37.620 are caused by evil spirits. 00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:42.519 If we look at some of the other accounts 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:45.000 of evil spirits in the New Testament, 00:08:46.100 --> 00:08:47.340 demon possession, 00:08:47.919 --> 00:08:50.340 one thing that seems obvious 00:08:50.340 --> 00:08:52.259 is that when a person is possessed 00:08:52.259 --> 00:08:53.360 by an evil spirit, 00:08:53.519 --> 00:08:55.840 they do seem to lose some measure of control 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:57.780 over their own bodies 00:08:57.780 --> 00:08:59.860 to the spirit. 00:09:00.360 --> 00:09:01.580 The spirit seems to be able 00:09:01.580 --> 00:09:03.920 to make them do or say things 00:09:03.920 --> 00:09:06.200 that they wouldn't otherwise do or say. 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:12.360 And so did this boy have epilepsy 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:15.480 or was it just the demon 00:09:15.480 --> 00:09:16.800 having its way with him? 00:09:18.180 --> 00:09:19.540 We don't know exactly. 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:21.060 Could it have been both? 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:25.919 One of the disturbing things mentioned here 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:27.959 that really points to the spirit 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:29.799 as an explanation for all this 00:09:29.799 --> 00:09:31.799 is in Mark's gospel, 00:09:32.159 --> 00:09:33.099 Mark 9.22, 00:09:33.579 --> 00:09:36.819 where Mark tells us 00:09:36.819 --> 00:09:38.439 what the father said, 00:09:38.500 --> 00:09:39.519 it has often thrown him 00:09:39.519 --> 00:09:41.019 into fire or water 00:09:41.019 --> 00:09:42.039 to kill him. 00:09:44.519 --> 00:09:46.500 So this is a deliberateness. 00:09:47.039 --> 00:09:49.079 If he just had epilepsy, 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:50.940 you know, 00:09:51.020 --> 00:09:52.300 we wouldn't see that. 00:09:52.840 --> 00:09:54.480 But this is clearly 00:09:54.480 --> 00:09:55.940 more than just epilepsy. 00:09:58.500 --> 00:09:59.620 One of the worst things 00:09:59.620 --> 00:10:00.620 I think though we can do 00:10:00.620 --> 00:10:01.320 from this account 00:10:01.320 --> 00:10:02.340 is to begin assuming 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:04.940 that most disabilities 00:10:04.940 --> 00:10:06.340 or illnesses 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:07.500 that we see in people 00:10:07.500 --> 00:10:08.440 are demon caused. 00:10:09.780 --> 00:10:11.680 And then even worse, 00:10:11.780 --> 00:10:13.040 to try and cast demons 00:10:13.040 --> 00:10:14.500 out of people with disabilities 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:16.600 who aren't possessed. 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:18.820 Sadly, this has happened 00:10:18.820 --> 00:10:19.620 far too often 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:20.259 by people 00:10:20.259 --> 00:10:21.840 in the name of Christ. 00:10:23.200 --> 00:10:24.560 There's more than one reason 00:10:24.560 --> 00:10:25.360 why a person 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:26.100 may come to have 00:10:26.100 --> 00:10:27.620 a serious illness 00:10:27.620 --> 00:10:28.560 or disability. 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:30.940 And nowhere does Jesus teach 00:10:30.940 --> 00:10:31.800 that it's always 00:10:31.800 --> 00:10:33.060 an evil spirit. 00:10:33.740 --> 00:10:34.960 Though we see an account 00:10:34.960 --> 00:10:35.659 such as this 00:10:35.659 --> 00:10:36.420 that it could be. 00:10:38.920 --> 00:10:40.379 Well, after explaining 00:10:40.379 --> 00:10:41.340 the boy's condition 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:42.540 to Jesus, 00:10:42.980 --> 00:10:43.980 we hear the father 00:10:43.980 --> 00:10:44.960 say these words 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:47.759 back in Luke 9 verse 40. 00:10:48.700 --> 00:10:49.820 I begged your disciples 00:10:49.820 --> 00:10:50.740 to drive it out, 00:10:51.560 --> 00:10:52.920 but they could not. 00:10:54.680 --> 00:10:55.740 And here's probably 00:10:55.740 --> 00:10:56.480 where the argument 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:57.759 and the commotion began. 00:10:58.780 --> 00:11:00.160 This raises questions 00:11:00.160 --> 00:11:00.780 for us, 00:11:01.320 --> 00:11:02.340 doesn't it? 00:11:03.139 --> 00:11:04.820 Why couldn't the disciples 00:11:04.820 --> 00:11:06.820 drive out the demon? 00:11:08.660 --> 00:11:09.639 At the beginning 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:10.660 of this very chapter 00:11:10.660 --> 00:11:13.340 in Luke 9, 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:14.700 the first verse, 00:11:14.960 --> 00:11:16.320 we heard about 00:11:16.320 --> 00:11:17.220 how Jesus gave 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:17.780 the twelve 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:18.780 power and authority 00:11:18.780 --> 00:11:19.600 to drive out 00:11:19.600 --> 00:11:20.480 all demons 00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:21.680 and to cure diseases 00:11:21.680 --> 00:11:22.879 and he sent them out. 00:11:24.759 --> 00:11:26.340 And so what's going on here? 00:11:27.340 --> 00:11:28.460 Why are they not 00:11:28.460 --> 00:11:29.379 able to do 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:31.080 what they had been 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:32.060 able to do before? 00:11:34.200 --> 00:11:35.620 Did Jesus just give them 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:36.440 power and authority 00:11:36.440 --> 00:11:37.519 to do those things 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:38.360 for the duration 00:11:38.360 --> 00:11:39.600 of that missions trip 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:40.660 and now that they've returned 00:11:40.660 --> 00:11:41.700 they no longer have it? 00:11:41.700 --> 00:11:46.020 I imagine the disciples 00:11:46.020 --> 00:11:46.820 themselves being 00:11:46.820 --> 00:11:47.759 somewhat baffled 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:49.420 and even embarrassed 00:11:49.420 --> 00:11:50.080 by this. 00:11:51.960 --> 00:11:53.300 Like it worked before. 00:11:54.900 --> 00:11:56.060 Why isn't it working 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:56.640 this time? 00:11:57.840 --> 00:11:58.580 I'm doing, 00:11:58.780 --> 00:11:59.740 I'm saying the same 00:11:59.740 --> 00:12:00.740 things I did before, 00:12:00.860 --> 00:12:01.660 but it isn't working. 00:12:01.780 --> 00:12:02.920 How come it isn't working? 00:12:02.919 --> 00:12:06.479 And the teachers 00:12:06.479 --> 00:12:06.919 of the law 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:07.459 are probably 00:12:07.459 --> 00:12:08.339 all over this. 00:12:09.679 --> 00:12:10.159 Finally, 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:11.120 something that has 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.199 Jesus' name on it 00:12:12.199 --> 00:12:13.500 that seems to have failed. 00:12:15.339 --> 00:12:16.459 And then the father. 00:12:17.459 --> 00:12:18.360 Did he feel 00:12:18.360 --> 00:12:19.360 just deeply 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:20.219 disappointed 00:12:20.219 --> 00:12:21.419 and disillusioned 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:22.139 that they couldn't 00:12:22.139 --> 00:12:22.759 drive it out? 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:25.259 Well, 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:26.179 most of these questions 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:27.199 aren't really answered here, 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:27.899 but we do get 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:28.699 some ideas 00:12:28.699 --> 00:12:29.579 and some hints 00:12:29.579 --> 00:12:31.379 as things unfold. 00:12:31.379 --> 00:12:33.379 At this point, 00:12:33.899 --> 00:12:34.919 Jesus says something 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:36.080 quite unexpected. 00:12:38.120 --> 00:12:39.220 You unbelieving 00:12:39.220 --> 00:12:40.799 and perverse generation, 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:42.439 Jesus replied. 00:12:43.379 --> 00:12:44.179 How long 00:12:44.179 --> 00:12:44.980 shall I stay 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:45.419 with you 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:46.100 and put up 00:12:46.100 --> 00:12:46.519 with you? 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:48.860 Bring your son 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:49.179 here. 00:12:51.159 --> 00:12:51.899 That's not 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:52.419 what we're used 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:52.879 to hearing 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.460 from Jesus 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:54.039 in moments 00:12:54.039 --> 00:12:54.659 like this. 00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:56.360 Jesus usually 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:57.059 seems to meet 00:12:57.059 --> 00:12:57.580 this kind 00:12:57.580 --> 00:12:58.899 of human desperation 00:12:58.899 --> 00:12:59.899 with compassion 00:12:59.899 --> 00:13:00.960 and tenderness. 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:02.720 But instead, 00:13:03.460 --> 00:13:04.159 Jesus seems 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:05.039 to rebuke 00:13:05.039 --> 00:13:05.799 everyone 00:13:05.799 --> 00:13:08.600 with a tone 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:09.340 of frustration. 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:11.720 I imagine 00:13:11.720 --> 00:13:12.279 different ones 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:13.279 in the audience, 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:14.059 the crowd, 00:13:14.279 --> 00:13:14.840 the disciples, 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:15.820 the man, 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:17.679 all wondering, 00:13:17.799 --> 00:13:18.299 is he talking 00:13:18.299 --> 00:13:18.980 about me? 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:23.779 Is it because 00:13:23.779 --> 00:13:24.220 we couldn't 00:13:24.220 --> 00:13:25.019 cast out the demon? 00:13:27.419 --> 00:13:28.500 Who is this 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.200 pointed at, 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:29.960 these words? 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:32.300 Well, 00:13:32.340 --> 00:13:32.639 in Jesus' 00:13:32.780 --> 00:13:33.240 own words, 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:33.720 he points 00:13:33.720 --> 00:13:34.300 it at this 00:13:34.300 --> 00:13:35.040 generation, 00:13:35.420 --> 00:13:36.300 which seems 00:13:36.300 --> 00:13:36.860 to include 00:13:36.860 --> 00:13:37.460 all of them. 00:13:39.660 --> 00:13:40.340 He says 00:13:40.340 --> 00:13:40.600 they are 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:41.320 unbelieving 00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:43.000 and perverse. 00:13:45.620 --> 00:13:45.980 Now, 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.000 nowadays, 00:13:47.180 --> 00:13:47.560 perverse 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:48.040 has taken 00:13:48.040 --> 00:13:48.480 on more 00:13:48.480 --> 00:13:48.940 of the meaning 00:13:48.940 --> 00:13:49.500 of sexual 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:50.759 impropriety. 00:13:50.759 --> 00:13:53.759 Jesus is not 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:54.220 talking about 00:13:54.220 --> 00:13:54.539 that, 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:55.059 but about 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:55.779 general 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:56.919 depravity, 00:13:57.600 --> 00:13:58.259 corruptness, 00:13:58.480 --> 00:13:59.159 twistedness 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:00.159 of the people. 00:14:01.439 --> 00:14:02.080 And this 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:02.720 is a lament. 00:14:03.059 --> 00:14:03.620 There's a sense 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:04.519 of holy 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:05.600 frustration here 00:14:05.600 --> 00:14:07.000 as Jesus, 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:07.500 the very 00:14:07.500 --> 00:14:08.120 Son of God, 00:14:08.200 --> 00:14:08.720 comes face 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.159 to face 00:14:09.159 --> 00:14:09.720 with people 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:10.519 who are just 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.480 bent away 00:14:11.480 --> 00:14:12.500 from God 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:13.379 and who 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:14.319 utterly lack 00:14:14.319 --> 00:14:15.080 faith in him. 00:14:15.080 --> 00:14:18.139 And this 00:14:18.139 --> 00:14:18.840 lack of faith, 00:14:18.960 --> 00:14:19.300 as we'll see 00:14:19.300 --> 00:14:19.800 in a moment, 00:14:19.900 --> 00:14:20.460 is present 00:14:20.460 --> 00:14:21.259 both in 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:21.540 Jesus' 00:14:21.720 --> 00:14:22.200 disciples 00:14:22.200 --> 00:14:23.600 and in 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:24.100 the father 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:24.960 of this 00:14:24.960 --> 00:14:25.240 boy. 00:14:28.120 --> 00:14:28.639 So, 00:14:28.700 --> 00:14:29.680 Jesus summons 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:30.120 the boy 00:14:30.120 --> 00:14:31.120 and as the 00:14:31.120 --> 00:14:31.860 boy is coming, 00:14:31.980 --> 00:14:32.400 the demon 00:14:32.400 --> 00:14:33.500 inside of him 00:14:33.500 --> 00:14:34.220 does what 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:34.940 it has often 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:35.300 done. 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:37.120 Back in 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:37.560 Luke 9, 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:38.240 verse 42, 00:14:38.240 --> 00:14:38.899 even while 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:39.299 the boy 00:14:39.299 --> 00:14:39.960 was coming, 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:40.759 the demon 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:41.580 threw him 00:14:41.580 --> 00:14:42.340 to the ground 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.580 in a 00:14:43.580 --> 00:14:44.120 convulsion. 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:46.180 Or if we 00:14:46.180 --> 00:14:46.740 flip over to 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:47.159 Mark and 00:14:47.159 --> 00:14:47.639 read it from 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:48.700 his words, 00:14:50.080 --> 00:14:50.460 so they 00:14:50.460 --> 00:14:50.860 brought the 00:14:50.860 --> 00:14:51.259 boy to 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:51.560 him. 00:14:52.019 --> 00:14:52.320 When the 00:14:52.320 --> 00:14:53.120 spirit saw 00:14:53.120 --> 00:14:53.620 Jesus, 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:54.460 it immediately 00:14:54.460 --> 00:14:55.000 threw the 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:55.539 boy into 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:56.279 a convulsion. 00:14:56.680 --> 00:14:57.259 He fell to 00:14:57.259 --> 00:14:57.700 the ground 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.180 and rolled 00:14:58.180 --> 00:14:58.580 around, 00:14:58.799 --> 00:14:59.379 foaming at 00:14:59.379 --> 00:14:59.860 the mouth. 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.200 Jesus 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:03.680 asked the 00:15:03.680 --> 00:15:04.240 boy's father, 00:15:04.360 --> 00:15:04.740 how long 00:15:04.740 --> 00:15:05.240 has he been 00:15:05.240 --> 00:15:05.860 like this? 00:15:05.860 --> 00:15:07.980 from 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:08.500 childhood, 00:15:09.159 --> 00:15:09.720 he answered. 00:15:10.659 --> 00:15:10.980 It has 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:11.519 often thrown 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:11.899 him into 00:15:11.899 --> 00:15:12.500 fire or 00:15:12.500 --> 00:15:13.000 water to 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:13.519 kill him. 00:15:14.940 --> 00:15:15.560 But if 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:16.200 you can do 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:16.659 anything, 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:17.680 take pity 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:18.200 on us 00:15:18.200 --> 00:15:18.659 and help 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:19.000 us. 00:15:24.120 --> 00:15:24.899 If you 00:15:24.899 --> 00:15:25.240 can, 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:26.759 said Jesus, 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.680 everything 00:15:29.680 --> 00:15:30.500 is possible 00:15:30.500 --> 00:15:31.539 for one 00:15:31.539 --> 00:15:32.580 who believes. 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:37.259 God 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:37.860 is 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:38.700 so right 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:38.980 here we 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:39.419 see that 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:39.659 there is 00:15:39.659 --> 00:15:40.300 the lack 00:15:40.300 --> 00:15:40.860 of faith, 00:15:41.800 --> 00:15:42.200 there is a 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:42.980 faith struggle 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:43.440 of some 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:43.879 kind in 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:44.320 the boy's 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:44.680 father. 00:15:45.259 --> 00:15:45.480 I mean, 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.340 we might 00:15:46.340 --> 00:15:47.000 blame the 00:15:47.000 --> 00:15:47.800 disciples who 00:15:47.800 --> 00:15:48.460 tried to 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:48.879 cast it 00:15:48.879 --> 00:15:49.440 out earlier 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:51.139 and failed 00:15:51.139 --> 00:15:52.659 for his 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:52.980 doubt, 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.960 but at the 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:55.340 end of the 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:55.560 day, 00:15:55.639 --> 00:15:56.100 his faith 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:56.580 needed to 00:15:56.580 --> 00:15:56.879 be in 00:15:56.879 --> 00:15:57.259 Jesus. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.379 It needed 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:58.860 to be in 00:15:58.860 --> 00:15:59.200 God. 00:15:59.740 --> 00:16:00.240 And he 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:00.899 does express 00:16:00.899 --> 00:16:01.279 a lack 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:01.639 of faith 00:16:01.639 --> 00:16:01.960 as to 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.139 whether 00:16:02.139 --> 00:16:02.879 Jesus is 00:16:02.879 --> 00:16:04.340 able to 00:16:04.340 --> 00:16:04.980 do anything 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:06.120 for his 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.360 son. 00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.800 And Jesus 00:16:08.800 --> 00:16:09.639 basically says, 00:16:09.779 --> 00:16:10.360 of course it 00:16:10.360 --> 00:16:10.960 can happen 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:11.940 for anyone 00:16:11.940 --> 00:16:13.980 who believes. 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:15.600 Everything 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:16.480 is possible 00:16:16.480 --> 00:16:18.159 for one 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:19.240 who believes. 00:16:21.259 --> 00:16:22.060 And then we 00:16:22.060 --> 00:16:22.539 come to these 00:16:22.539 --> 00:16:23.180 favorite words 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:23.779 of mine in 00:16:23.779 --> 00:16:24.120 Mark's 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:24.560 gospel. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:26.840 Immediately 00:16:26.840 --> 00:16:27.580 the boy's 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:28.440 father exclaimed, 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.259 I do 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:29.879 believe. 00:16:30.680 --> 00:16:31.440 Help me 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:32.019 overcome 00:16:32.019 --> 00:16:33.100 my unbelief. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:39.159 I do 00:16:39.159 --> 00:16:39.720 believe. 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:41.080 Help me 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:41.460 overcome 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:41.820 my 00:16:41.820 --> 00:16:42.460 unbelief. 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:46.200 Sometimes 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:46.960 we recognize 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:47.639 our own 00:16:47.639 --> 00:16:48.080 lack of 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:48.379 faith, 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.080 but we 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:49.360 feel 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:49.960 powerless 00:16:49.960 --> 00:16:51.700 to remedy 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.019 it. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:54.580 We believe 00:16:54.580 --> 00:16:55.759 to some 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.279 degree, 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:59.039 but what 00:16:59.039 --> 00:16:59.460 can we do 00:16:59.460 --> 00:16:59.920 about the 00:16:59.920 --> 00:17:01.000 doubt that's 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:01.519 still there 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:01.820 in our 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:02.139 heart? 00:17:02.139 --> 00:17:03.759 what can 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.079 we do 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:04.660 except cry 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:04.980 out to 00:17:04.980 --> 00:17:05.319 Jesus 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:06.139 for help 00:17:06.139 --> 00:17:07.859 to believe 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:08.200 as we 00:17:08.200 --> 00:17:08.660 ought to 00:17:08.660 --> 00:17:09.819 with a 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.339 full faith? 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.539 I'm 00:17:12.539 --> 00:17:12.879 convinced 00:17:12.879 --> 00:17:13.299 that this 00:17:13.299 --> 00:17:13.619 is one 00:17:13.619 --> 00:17:13.940 of those 00:17:13.940 --> 00:17:14.279 prayers 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:14.879 that God 00:17:14.879 --> 00:17:15.359 loves to 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:15.619 hear. 00:17:15.619 --> 00:17:20.439 do you 00:17:20.439 --> 00:17:21.019 struggle to 00:17:21.019 --> 00:17:21.459 believe? 00:17:23.959 --> 00:17:24.659 Or to 00:17:24.659 --> 00:17:25.239 take Jesus 00:17:25.239 --> 00:17:25.639 at his 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:25.979 word? 00:17:30.019 --> 00:17:30.579 These 00:17:30.579 --> 00:17:30.899 words, 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:31.619 I think, 00:17:32.179 --> 00:17:32.619 are for 00:17:32.619 --> 00:17:33.359 us in 00:17:33.359 --> 00:17:33.599 those 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:34.019 moments. 00:17:35.879 --> 00:17:36.439 Jesus, 00:17:36.779 --> 00:17:37.419 I do 00:17:37.419 --> 00:17:37.939 believe. 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:39.739 Help me 00:17:39.739 --> 00:17:40.339 overcome 00:17:40.339 --> 00:17:41.019 my 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:41.699 unbelief. 00:17:41.700 --> 00:17:45.960 sometimes 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.519 all we 00:17:46.519 --> 00:17:47.039 see is 00:17:47.039 --> 00:17:47.519 the grim 00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:48.440 and 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:48.860 seemingly 00:17:48.860 --> 00:17:49.660 hopeless 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:50.759 realities 00:17:50.759 --> 00:17:51.420 of sin 00:17:51.420 --> 00:17:51.759 and 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:52.519 brokenness 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.559 all around 00:17:53.559 --> 00:17:53.900 us. 00:17:56.120 --> 00:17:56.920 We see 00:17:56.920 --> 00:17:57.120 it in 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:57.519 the lives 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:57.759 of the 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.220 people we 00:17:58.220 --> 00:17:58.539 love. 00:17:59.620 --> 00:18:00.360 We see 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:00.580 it in 00:18:00.580 --> 00:18:00.720 our 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.200 community, 00:18:01.779 --> 00:18:02.620 in our 00:18:02.620 --> 00:18:03.059 country, 00:18:03.380 --> 00:18:04.420 in our 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:04.860 world, 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:05.860 and it's 00:18:05.860 --> 00:18:06.440 overwhelming. 00:18:07.440 --> 00:18:08.019 And we 00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.559 lose sight 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:09.200 of God 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:09.700 and his 00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:10.360 goodness 00:18:10.360 --> 00:18:10.940 and his 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:11.319 power. 00:18:11.700 --> 00:18:18.940 Well, 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.360 when Jesus 00:18:19.360 --> 00:18:19.940 saw that a 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.360 crowd was 00:18:20.360 --> 00:18:20.819 running to 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:21.279 the scene, 00:18:21.440 --> 00:18:22.200 he rebuked 00:18:22.200 --> 00:18:23.019 the impure 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:23.640 spirit. 00:18:24.620 --> 00:18:25.140 You deaf 00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:25.680 and mute 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:26.100 spirit, 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:26.580 he said, 00:18:26.799 --> 00:18:27.539 I command 00:18:27.539 --> 00:18:27.779 you, 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:28.519 come out 00:18:28.519 --> 00:18:28.819 of him 00:18:28.819 --> 00:18:29.319 and never 00:18:29.319 --> 00:18:29.880 enter him 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:30.240 again. 00:18:32.220 --> 00:18:32.740 The 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:33.019 spirit 00:18:33.019 --> 00:18:33.640 shrieked, 00:18:34.240 --> 00:18:34.779 convulsed 00:18:34.779 --> 00:18:35.500 him violently, 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:36.660 and came 00:18:36.660 --> 00:18:36.900 out. 00:18:38.340 --> 00:18:39.080 The boy 00:18:39.080 --> 00:18:39.559 looked so 00:18:39.559 --> 00:18:40.140 much like a 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.640 corpse that 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:41.160 many said, 00:18:41.160 --> 00:18:42.080 he's dead. 00:18:43.580 --> 00:18:44.380 But Jesus 00:18:44.380 --> 00:18:44.779 took him 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.080 by the 00:18:45.080 --> 00:18:46.420 hand and 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:47.019 lifted him 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:47.740 to his 00:18:47.740 --> 00:18:48.000 feet, 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:49.320 and he 00:18:49.320 --> 00:18:49.820 stood up. 00:18:51.860 --> 00:18:52.600 If we go 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:52.980 back to 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:53.279 Luke's 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:53.660 gospel, 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:57.080 we read 00:18:57.080 --> 00:18:57.680 that Jesus 00:18:57.680 --> 00:18:58.460 rebuked the 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.279 impure spirit, 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.200 healed the 00:19:00.200 --> 00:19:00.440 boy, 00:19:00.660 --> 00:19:00.940 and gave 00:19:00.940 --> 00:19:01.380 him back 00:19:01.380 --> 00:19:02.040 to his 00:19:02.040 --> 00:19:02.380 father. 00:19:02.380 --> 00:19:02.480 father. 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:05.820 And they 00:19:05.820 --> 00:19:06.260 were all 00:19:06.260 --> 00:19:07.520 amazed at 00:19:07.520 --> 00:19:07.760 the 00:19:07.760 --> 00:19:08.260 greatness 00:19:08.260 --> 00:19:09.680 of God. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:11.140 There was 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:11.280 an 00:19:11.280 --> 00:19:11.860 astonishment 00:19:11.860 --> 00:19:12.300 that just 00:19:12.300 --> 00:19:12.920 swept over 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:13.320 all of 00:19:13.320 --> 00:19:13.440 them. 00:19:13.520 --> 00:19:13.760 They had 00:19:13.760 --> 00:19:13.960 just 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.360 witnessed 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:14.820 something 00:19:14.820 --> 00:19:15.200 of the 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:15.820 majesty, 00:19:16.640 --> 00:19:17.680 of the 00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.500 awesomeness 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.500 of God. 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:21.600 His 00:19:21.600 --> 00:19:22.440 power was 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:23.400 unleashed 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:24.420 when Jesus 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:24.960 spoke. 00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.540 And this 00:19:26.540 --> 00:19:26.900 deeply 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:27.480 entrenched 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:28.100 and stubborn 00:19:28.100 --> 00:19:29.120 spirit came 00:19:29.120 --> 00:19:29.940 out at the 00:19:29.940 --> 00:19:30.500 command of 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.579 Jesus like 00:19:31.579 --> 00:19:32.259 it had no 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.200 choice in 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:33.619 the matter. 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:36.720 One minute 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:37.740 this poor 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:38.400 boy was 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:39.940 writhing on 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:40.539 the ground 00:19:40.539 --> 00:19:41.559 in pain, 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.680 and the 00:19:43.680 --> 00:19:44.180 next moment 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:44.799 he was 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:47.220 back to 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.559 normal, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.160 as good 00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:48.559 as new, 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.119 standing 00:19:50.119 --> 00:19:51.700 with his 00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.000 dad. 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:55.720 Amazing. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.619 Well, 00:19:59.660 --> 00:20:00.099 Luke doesn't 00:20:00.099 --> 00:20:00.639 mention this 00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:00.959 in his 00:20:00.959 --> 00:20:01.339 gospel, 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:01.919 but Matthew 00:20:01.919 --> 00:20:02.299 and Mark 00:20:02.299 --> 00:20:02.579 do. 00:20:03.139 --> 00:20:03.619 Later, 00:20:03.719 --> 00:20:04.179 after this 00:20:04.179 --> 00:20:04.539 is over, 00:20:04.659 --> 00:20:05.159 the disciples 00:20:05.159 --> 00:20:05.919 asked Jesus 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:07.480 privately about 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:07.980 why they 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.579 couldn't cast 00:20:08.579 --> 00:20:08.959 out the 00:20:08.959 --> 00:20:09.240 demon. 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:10.879 Matthew 17 00:20:10.879 --> 00:20:11.639 verse 19. 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:12.959 Then the 00:20:12.959 --> 00:20:13.659 disciples came 00:20:13.659 --> 00:20:14.299 to Jesus in 00:20:14.299 --> 00:20:14.799 private and 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.000 asked, 00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:15.559 why couldn't 00:20:15.559 --> 00:20:15.980 we drive 00:20:15.980 --> 00:20:16.359 it out? 00:20:18.000 --> 00:20:18.859 Jesus replied, 00:20:19.480 --> 00:20:20.299 because you 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:20.859 have so 00:20:20.859 --> 00:20:21.659 little faith. 00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:24.199 Truly, 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:24.859 I tell you, 00:20:24.899 --> 00:20:25.240 if you have 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:25.939 faith as 00:20:25.939 --> 00:20:26.619 small as a 00:20:26.619 --> 00:20:27.179 mustard seed, 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:27.759 you can say 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.159 to this 00:20:28.159 --> 00:20:28.519 mountain, 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.319 move from 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:30.319 here to 00:20:30.319 --> 00:20:30.639 there, 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:31.299 and it 00:20:31.299 --> 00:20:31.779 will move. 00:20:33.139 --> 00:20:33.879 Nothing will 00:20:33.879 --> 00:20:34.439 be impossible 00:20:34.439 --> 00:20:34.980 for you. 00:20:37.339 --> 00:20:38.460 I bring in 00:20:38.460 --> 00:20:39.480 this part of 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:40.359 Matthew because 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.579 it answers that 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.119 question we 00:20:42.119 --> 00:20:42.659 asked earlier 00:20:42.659 --> 00:20:43.179 about why 00:20:43.179 --> 00:20:43.799 they couldn't 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.539 cast it 00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:44.779 out. 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.559 And it 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.000 seems it 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.639 wasn't because 00:20:47.639 --> 00:20:48.000 they didn't 00:20:48.000 --> 00:20:48.439 have the 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:49.079 authority and 00:20:49.079 --> 00:20:49.619 power to 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:50.059 do it, 00:20:50.439 --> 00:20:51.359 but because 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:51.939 they lacked 00:20:51.939 --> 00:20:52.399 faith. 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:58.880 because you 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.440 have so 00:20:59.440 --> 00:21:00.620 little faith, 00:21:01.620 --> 00:21:02.680 said Jesus. 00:21:04.360 --> 00:21:05.080 Were they 00:21:05.080 --> 00:21:06.180 trying to 00:21:06.180 --> 00:21:06.880 invoke the 00:21:06.880 --> 00:21:07.300 name of 00:21:07.300 --> 00:21:08.280 Jesus to 00:21:08.280 --> 00:21:08.840 cast the 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:09.420 spirit out, 00:21:09.600 --> 00:21:10.280 but at the 00:21:10.280 --> 00:21:10.840 same time 00:21:10.840 --> 00:21:11.820 not inwardly 00:21:11.820 --> 00:21:12.580 believing that 00:21:12.580 --> 00:21:12.880 it would 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:13.200 work? 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:17.180 There was a 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:17.560 lack of 00:21:17.560 --> 00:21:18.259 faith in 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:18.920 these disciples 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:19.500 of Jesus. 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:21.680 and I 00:21:21.680 --> 00:21:22.000 think it's 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:22.339 a lesson 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:23.119 for us 00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:23.539 as well. 00:21:25.339 --> 00:21:26.000 Not that 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:26.359 we've all 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:26.720 been given 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:27.299 power and 00:21:27.299 --> 00:21:28.019 authority to 00:21:28.019 --> 00:21:28.740 heal and 00:21:28.740 --> 00:21:29.259 cast out 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:29.559 demons, 00:21:29.900 --> 00:21:31.539 but how 00:21:31.539 --> 00:21:32.220 often do we 00:21:32.220 --> 00:21:32.720 invoke the 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:33.059 name of 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:34.059 Jesus and 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:34.700 claim the 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.119 name of 00:21:35.119 --> 00:21:35.720 Jesus and 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.279 yet don't 00:21:36.279 --> 00:21:37.059 really believe 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:38.099 and have 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:39.519 faith in 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.000 him as we 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.240 should? 00:21:40.240 --> 00:21:40.359 God. 00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:44.079 Maybe we're 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:44.500 coming at 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.039 an issue 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.259 or problem 00:21:46.259 --> 00:21:46.720 in our 00:21:46.720 --> 00:21:47.740 lives with 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.539 everything that 00:21:48.539 --> 00:21:49.079 we've got at 00:21:49.079 --> 00:21:49.819 our disposal 00:21:49.819 --> 00:21:51.120 except we're 00:21:51.120 --> 00:21:51.539 just not 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.240 really trusting 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:54.460 God or 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:54.960 looking to 00:21:54.960 --> 00:21:55.880 him for 00:21:55.880 --> 00:21:56.480 the solution. 00:21:57.839 --> 00:21:58.359 We're 00:21:58.359 --> 00:21:58.839 meeting it 00:21:58.839 --> 00:21:59.380 with our 00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:00.000 own strength 00:22:00.000 --> 00:22:00.279 and our 00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.039 own resources, 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:01.940 everything we 00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.819 have, but 00:22:02.819 --> 00:22:03.339 deep down 00:22:03.339 --> 00:22:03.680 are we 00:22:03.680 --> 00:22:04.460 doubting that 00:22:04.460 --> 00:22:05.000 God would 00:22:05.000 --> 00:22:05.759 really care 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.660 to intervene? 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:11.160 They 00:22:11.160 --> 00:22:11.440 couldn't 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:11.860 cast it 00:22:11.860 --> 00:22:12.300 out because 00:22:12.300 --> 00:22:12.740 they lacked 00:22:12.740 --> 00:22:13.140 faith. 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.500 And then if 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.140 we flip over 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:16.560 to Mark's 00:22:16.560 --> 00:22:17.480 account, we 00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.000 read a little 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.440 bit more 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:19.019 about this, 00:22:19.120 --> 00:22:19.560 Mark 9, 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:20.120 28. 00:22:20.759 --> 00:22:21.540 After Jesus 00:22:21.540 --> 00:22:22.000 had gone 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:22.400 indoors, 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:23.060 his disciples 00:22:23.060 --> 00:22:23.519 asked him 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:23.980 privately, 00:22:24.120 --> 00:22:24.540 why couldn't 00:22:24.540 --> 00:22:25.080 we drive it 00:22:25.080 --> 00:22:25.300 out? 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:26.259 He replied, 00:22:26.680 --> 00:22:27.320 this kind 00:22:27.320 --> 00:22:27.820 can come 00:22:27.820 --> 00:22:28.240 out only 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.820 by prayer. 00:22:32.340 --> 00:22:33.000 Now, there's 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.320 lots of 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:34.040 discussion about 00:22:34.040 --> 00:22:34.980 this answer. 00:22:35.500 --> 00:22:35.980 Is Jesus 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:36.460 saying that 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:36.640 there's 00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:36.940 different 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:37.480 kinds of 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:37.779 demons, 00:22:38.319 --> 00:22:39.160 some stronger 00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:39.740 or more 00:22:39.740 --> 00:22:40.420 resistant than 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:40.779 others. 00:22:43.539 --> 00:22:44.240 Some of the 00:22:44.240 --> 00:22:44.860 disciples can 00:22:44.860 --> 00:22:45.600 simply cast 00:22:45.600 --> 00:22:46.319 out with 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:46.799 their words 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:47.340 like Jesus 00:22:47.340 --> 00:22:47.759 did and 00:22:47.759 --> 00:22:48.299 others that 00:22:48.299 --> 00:22:49.140 require prayer. 00:22:50.579 --> 00:22:51.299 A lot of 00:22:51.299 --> 00:22:51.720 people have 00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.240 proposed all 00:22:52.240 --> 00:22:52.620 kinds of 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.039 things from 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.620 these words 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:55.420 and some 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:55.920 things are 00:22:55.920 --> 00:22:58.620 more wild 00:22:58.620 --> 00:22:59.160 than others. 00:22:59.680 --> 00:23:00.279 But a lot 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:00.799 of this is 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:01.460 just speculation 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.200 and guessing. 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:03.220 I think the 00:23:03.220 --> 00:23:03.860 most important 00:23:03.860 --> 00:23:04.480 part of this 00:23:04.480 --> 00:23:04.960 statement of 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:05.660 Jesus that we 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:06.120 don't want to 00:23:06.119 --> 00:23:07.139 miss is that 00:23:07.139 --> 00:23:07.899 prayer is 00:23:07.899 --> 00:23:09.579 required to 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.199 drive demons 00:23:10.199 --> 00:23:10.519 out. 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.299 And this 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:12.799 says even 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:13.579 more about 00:23:13.579 --> 00:23:13.959 where the 00:23:13.959 --> 00:23:14.859 disciples failed 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.379 in the first 00:23:15.379 --> 00:23:15.699 place, 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:16.219 doesn't it? 00:23:17.739 --> 00:23:18.379 Did they 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:19.379 not pray and 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.119 ask God to 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:20.639 remove it? 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.519 They invoked 00:23:24.519 --> 00:23:25.039 the name of 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:25.659 Jesus, it 00:23:25.659 --> 00:23:27.419 seems, but 00:23:27.419 --> 00:23:28.500 not in a 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.019 prayerful 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.819 dependence on 00:23:29.819 --> 00:23:30.399 God kind 00:23:30.399 --> 00:23:30.799 of way. 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:34.819 how often 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:35.220 do we do 00:23:35.220 --> 00:23:35.579 the same 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:35.899 thing? 00:23:36.960 --> 00:23:37.740 Do we go 00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.099 through the 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:38.539 motions, 00:23:39.419 --> 00:23:40.779 say the 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.220 words, 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:43.899 but is 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:44.339 our heart 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:44.839 actually 00:23:44.839 --> 00:23:45.379 engaged? 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:46.799 Are we 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:47.559 really looking 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.119 to God 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:49.319 and talking 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:50.019 to God, 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.379 asking for 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:51.779 His help 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.279 because we 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:52.639 know we 00:23:52.639 --> 00:23:53.059 need it 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:53.919 in a 00:23:53.919 --> 00:23:54.399 situation? 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:56.280 are we 00:23:56.280 --> 00:23:57.000 believing that 00:23:57.000 --> 00:23:57.680 He has 00:23:57.680 --> 00:23:58.160 what we 00:23:58.160 --> 00:23:59.060 need to 00:23:59.060 --> 00:23:59.560 deal with 00:23:59.560 --> 00:24:00.000 what He's 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:00.480 put before 00:24:00.480 --> 00:24:00.820 us? 00:24:05.060 --> 00:24:05.820 I find 00:24:05.820 --> 00:24:06.259 myself 00:24:06.259 --> 00:24:06.820 convicted, 00:24:07.400 --> 00:24:08.640 as I read 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:09.200 all this, 00:24:09.940 --> 00:24:10.620 of my own 00:24:10.620 --> 00:24:12.560 unbelief and 00:24:12.560 --> 00:24:12.980 lack of 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.320 faith, 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:18.280 of my own 00:24:18.280 --> 00:24:18.960 forgetfulness 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:21.600 to pray and 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.140 to talk to 00:24:22.140 --> 00:24:22.800 God about the 00:24:22.800 --> 00:24:23.360 things in front 00:24:23.360 --> 00:24:23.660 of me. 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.860 how often 00:24:25.860 --> 00:24:26.600 do I worry 00:24:26.600 --> 00:24:27.360 about things 00:24:27.360 --> 00:24:28.000 and forget? 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:30.200 How often 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:30.780 do I look at 00:24:30.780 --> 00:24:31.240 my own 00:24:31.240 --> 00:24:32.000 troubles as 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.140 insurmountable 00:24:33.140 --> 00:24:36.380 until I'm 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:36.920 past them? 00:24:40.700 --> 00:24:41.340 How often 00:24:41.340 --> 00:24:41.800 do I look at 00:24:41.800 --> 00:24:42.360 the lives of 00:24:42.360 --> 00:24:43.120 people I love 00:24:43.120 --> 00:24:43.700 and resign 00:24:43.700 --> 00:24:44.380 myself that 00:24:44.380 --> 00:24:44.759 there's not 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.640 likely to be 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.160 a breakthrough 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:47.360 or change 00:24:47.360 --> 00:24:47.780 for them? 00:24:50.580 --> 00:24:51.220 Maybe I've 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:51.660 prayed for them 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:52.200 in the past, 00:24:52.320 --> 00:24:52.780 but is there 00:24:52.780 --> 00:24:53.340 any point to 00:24:53.340 --> 00:24:53.720 praying for 00:24:53.720 --> 00:24:54.259 them again? 00:24:54.400 --> 00:24:55.160 about the 00:24:55.160 --> 00:24:55.660 same thing? 00:24:59.800 --> 00:25:00.380 That's why 00:25:00.380 --> 00:25:00.940 these words 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:01.220 of the 00:25:01.220 --> 00:25:01.720 Father and 00:25:01.720 --> 00:25:02.840 Mark are 00:25:02.840 --> 00:25:03.540 so precious 00:25:03.540 --> 00:25:04.040 to me. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.440 I believe. 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:07.140 Help me 00:25:07.140 --> 00:25:08.000 overcome my 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:08.620 unbelief. 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:11.859 I can't think 00:25:11.859 --> 00:25:12.239 of a better 00:25:12.239 --> 00:25:13.059 response to 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:13.739 all of this 00:25:13.739 --> 00:25:14.699 than that 00:25:14.699 --> 00:25:15.039 prayer. 00:25:18.079 --> 00:25:18.879 So let's 00:25:18.879 --> 00:25:19.199 pray it 00:25:19.199 --> 00:25:19.539 together. 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.519 Father in 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:22.759 heaven, 00:25:23.399 --> 00:25:24.519 Holy Spirit, 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:24.579 God, 00:25:25.259 --> 00:25:26.180 we 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:26.980 forgive us 00:25:26.980 --> 00:25:27.299 our 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:27.639 Lord. 00:25:29.879 --> 00:25:30.639 Would you 00:25:30.639 --> 00:25:31.240 forgive us 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.900 for our 00:25:31.900 --> 00:25:32.400 lack of 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:32.700 faith, 00:25:33.660 --> 00:25:34.539 all the 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:34.940 ways it 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:35.480 shows up 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:35.759 in our 00:25:35.759 --> 00:25:36.160 lives 00:25:36.160 --> 00:25:37.720 this past 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.079 week. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:41.539 Forgive us 00:25:41.539 --> 00:25:41.819 for the 00:25:41.819 --> 00:25:42.500 unbelief in 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:43.019 our hearts. 00:25:45.059 --> 00:25:46.119 We believe, 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:46.659 God, 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:46.719 we thank you 00:25:46.719 --> 00:25:47.659 for the 00:25:47.659 --> 00:25:48.119 love. 00:25:48.119 --> 00:25:48.719 Help us in 00:25:48.719 --> 00:25:48.959 our 00:25:48.959 --> 00:25:49.879 unbelief. 00:25:50.659 --> 00:25:51.619 Help us with 00:25:51.619 --> 00:25:52.159 our doubts. 00:25:52.160 --> 00:25:52.240 grace. 00:25:54.880 --> 00:25:55.720 We thank you 00:25:55.720 --> 00:25:56.120 for another 00:25:56.120 --> 00:25:56.680 glimpse of 00:25:56.680 --> 00:25:57.240 your greatness 00:25:57.240 --> 00:25:57.880 and your 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.800 awesome power 00:25:58.800 --> 00:25:59.240 and your 00:25:59.240 --> 00:25:59.980 love here in 00:25:59.980 --> 00:26:00.500 these words. 00:26:01.340 --> 00:26:02.200 And we thank 00:26:02.200 --> 00:26:02.720 you that your 00:26:02.720 --> 00:26:03.759 name and 00:26:03.759 --> 00:26:04.400 your power 00:26:04.400 --> 00:26:05.980 is unrivaled. 00:26:07.759 --> 00:26:08.600 We ask that 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:08.860 you would 00:26:08.860 --> 00:26:09.400 increase our 00:26:09.400 --> 00:26:09.680 faith, 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.140 Lord. 00:26:11.120 --> 00:26:11.759 Refine it. 00:26:12.740 --> 00:26:13.120 Make it 00:26:13.120 --> 00:26:13.519 grow. 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:15.560 And we want 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.700 that for your 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.500 praise and 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.000 your glory. 00:26:19.700 --> 00:26:20.180 Amen.