Matthew_17

ScriptureMatthew 17:17-18¹⁷ “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.Observation – What does it say?Jesus just came down the mountain with Peter, James and John to find the other disciples surrounded by a crowd. Come to find out, the crowd gathered because of a man who had come to his disciples for help. His son was possessed by a demon and came to the disciples in hope that they would be able to cast out the demon. But they could not. Jesus responded by calling out their lack of faith and commanding, “Bring the boy here to me.” What the disciples couldn’t do, Jesus did with a word. No battle, no struggle, just a simple rebuke from Jesus and the boy was immediately freed and healed.Understanding – What does it mean?There are a few big lessons that I notice here. First, through the eyes of the disciples and second, through the eyes of the discouraged father.First, the disciples had the reputation of having power but they were found powerless because their lack of faith. As the church of Jesus Christ, we have the reputation of being able to help people; the reputation of being able to facilitate encounters with God for people that will result in the sick being healed, the demon possessed being freed, the unbelievers being filled with faith and the lost being saved. People walk in the doors of our church with a hope that they will find help. Others approach us in our schools or places of work because they know we are Christians and hope that we will have something to offer them. My prayer is that we would never hear those words from someone who comes to us, “I came to your disciples at Desert Streams Church for help, but they could not.” I long for God to fill us with greater faith! I long personally to be used by God to demonstrate his love and power to those around me!Second, the father was distraught. He longed for his son to be free. He most likely had great hope that Jesus’ disciples could help him, but they had let him down. Jesus said to him, “Bring the boy here to me.” I love this! What is it that you’re struggling with? What is it that you have been failing to overcome? What is your need that others haven’t been able to meet? Where have you seen no positive change and have been ready to give up? Jesus would say, “Bring it to me!” When we can’t, Jesus can. When others fail, Jesus succeeds. Every time.Life ApplicationGod, we owe the world around us an encounter with you! Fill us with greater faith that we may help the hurting, sick, lost and broken. Your kingdom isn’t a matter of talk but of power. May we not just talk about what you can do, but actually walk in the power and authority you desire us to.God, we bring to you today the things that are weighing us down. We come with faith and expectation, believing that where other people and solutions have failed, you are able to succeed. Please speak the word and bring victory to the areas we need it. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Levi Thompson