They reach the bottom to a large arguing crowd. When the crowd noticed Jesus they ran to Him. He inquired about the problem. He was informed by a desperate father, that he brought his son who was mute and suffered from violent seizures to Jesus’ disciples, but they couldn’t cast out the demon causing the problem. Jesus responded saying: O unbelieving generation, how long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me. (Mark 9:19)

We are not specifically told why the disciples could not help the boy. In fact, we do not know if the disciples even attempted to help the boy. Possibly they were paralyzed by the enormity of the problem. Possibly they were afraid. Possibly they attempted to do something relying on their own resources. Though we can only conjecture about the specifics what we do know is critical: I ask your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not. (Mark 9:18) And when Jesus arrives on the scene the people run to Him leaving the boy standing there unchanged until Jesus declares; bring the boy to me!

In His response Jesus makes it clear in His response that the ineptitude of the disciples was due in part to a lack of faith that characterized an entire generation. Later, when the frustrated embarrassed disciples inquire as to why they could not drive out demon, we discover that lack of prayer was also a key factor. (Mark 9:29)

People today are in the grips of addictions, bad habits, obsessions, and despair, overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities. They are seeking for the answer, which we have. Yet, like the disciples, we are not convinced, we lack the faith that we can really help. When we do attempt something often we rely on our own resources, our own programs and methods only to leave people standing there unchanged.

Beloved, let us hear Jesus afresh: believe, pray and bring the people to me! Jesus remains the answer today just as He was for this young lad. He is able. It is not our faith, but the object of our faith – Jesus. It is not our prayers, but the One to whom we pray. In faith we fervently pray and in faith we bring the people to Jesus! He is able to deliver, transform, and make new. Let us act in such a way that Jesus not need declare: O believing generation, how long shall I put up with you?” Let us be a generation that leaves a legacy of great things done for God through faith that prays, believes and brings people to Jesus.