Luke 9:37-45
37 On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him.
38 And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, because he is my only son,
39 and a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves.
40 And I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.”
41 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42 Now while he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father.
43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
But while everyone was astonished at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples,
44 “As for you, let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man is going to be handed over to men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not comprehend it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.
At the Foot of the Mountain
Disciples powerless
While Peter, John, and James were beholding the glory of Jesus on the mountaintop, the other disciples were struggling at the foot of the mountain. Peter wished to remain on the mountaintop forever, but those who receive blessings must descend in order to share them. What awaited Jesus and His company when they came down was a crowd of people unable to stand against the power of darkness. A father, whose only son was possessed by an evil spirit, cried out from the crowd for help: “I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.” Jesus sighed and said to the gathered crowd and to the disciples: “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” In 9:1, the disciples had been given power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases. Where had that power and authority gone? The reason the disciples could not cast out the demon was that they lacked faith and prayer. The power of God is not something that, once received, is sufficient forever. Are your faith and strength being renewed day by day?
Disciples slow to learn
Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy immediately, and gave him back to his father. The crowd, seeing this, praised the glory of God. Yet Jesus did not desire that the disciples remain focused on this miracle. As His ministry in Galilee was drawing to a close, Jesus’ greatest concern was the path to the cross. So He said to the disciples, “As for you, let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man is going to be handed over to men.” In other words, those who confess that Jesus is the Messiah must also expect that His end would be the cross. However, the disciples did not understand the meaning of these words for it was hidden from them. The center of the gospel is the cross. Paul said, “For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). Has the cross been at the center of your faith? Let us now pray for the Spirit of wisdom to be given.
Today's prayer
Gracious God, I have often forgotten the grace of the cross and let my heart be drawn to secondary teachings. Please forgive me. Now, by grace and through faith, I have been made a child of God. I thank You from my heart for this privilege and blessing. Pour out upon me the Spirit of wisdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.