Jesus said to him, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:23&24
Dear members and friends,
In Mark 9, there is a story of a boy who was possessed by an evil spirit since his childhood. The father of the boy brought his son to the disciples of Jesus. But they were unable to cast the evil spirit out of the boy. When this was discovered, Jesus said, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” As the boy was brought before Jesus, the evil spirit acted out even more because it knew who Jesus was. At that moment, seeing the tormented pain of the boy, the father pleaded, “If you are able to do anything, help us! Have compassion on us!” To this, Jesus replied with a rare emotional reaction, “If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately, the father of the boy cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
This story presents us with some key questions regarding what it means to be a Christian and to believe in Jesus Christ. The most important question that is being asked is “what does it mean to believe?” To this, what is surprising and at the same time inspiring is the cry of the father in the story: “I believe; help my unbelief!” In the story, it is apparently clear that the father of the boy did not know who Jesus is nor believe in him. Then, what did he mean by saying “I believe?” As a father, I could feel the agony in the heart of the father, and his determination to cure his son. Thus, what the father declared was his unconditional willingness to do anything for the cure of his son. Jesus felt this love, I am sure. The belief that moved the heart of Jesus in this story, therefore, has almost nothing to do with knowing Jesus or his mission and teachings, but has something to do with the inner sincerity and unconditional love in the heart of the father. Perhaps, the belief that Jesus emphasized was less about having the right or proper knowledge about him, but about having such love in one’s heart.
My brothers and sisters in God, for this I would like to suggest having a time of prayer and meditation looking, yet again, into our hearts. Whatever it is that we must do, let us do it from love in the heart.
Blessings,
Rev. Junchol Lee