“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

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

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”” Mark 9:22b-24

What an incredible experience! Peter, James, and John had just seen Jesus transfigured into His glorified body. They were given a glimpse of what Jesus will look like when He comes again to establish his kingdom. They saw him talking with Moses and Elijah and they heard the voice of God affirming that Jesus was the Christ and that they should listen to Him. What a boost to their faith.

Now as they were coming down the mountain still filled with wonder at the glory of God, they were confronted by the pain and suffering of our broken down world; a world groaning under the weight of centuries of sin; a world of fleeting faith; a world in need of the presence of Jesus. The scene is described in Mark 9 and highlights the difference Jesus makes in this world and the difference we are to make as His followers.

A man had brought his demon possessed son to Jesus’ disciples, but they could not drive out the evil spirit. Now that Jesus had arrived, the man, in desperation and doubt, asks Jesus: “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” The authority in Jesus’ voice draws the man back to faith and to greater faith. Experiencing the power of Jesus’ presence, the man makes one of the most honest declarations of growing faith ever recorded: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” By this declaration the man acknowledged that he had faith, but not enough and he wanted more.

As He had just done for Peter James and John through His transfiguration, Jesus, by His presence and activity, now imparts a growing and vibrant faith to this desperate man. He does the same for all who earnestly seek Him.

Are you living by faith? Are you following Jesus toward greater faith?