The Afflicted Son
B. L. Mark 9:14-29 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.… I. THE MAN'S AFFLICTION. 1. It was not personal: not in himself, but through his child. 2. It was the consequence of affection. Our love is the source of joy; it is also the cause of pain. Our relation. ships are a blessing; they often become a curse. 3. It was very terrible. A son not only imbecile, but who could do nothing for his own support. II. THE MAN'S ADVANTAGE. Affliction is not an unmixed evil. On the contrary, God often makes it a means of the greatest blessings. In this particular case it led to two great mercies. (1) It led to the lad himself being brought to Christ, and(2) it led to the father going as well. How often are parents led to Christ through the sufferings and death of their children. III. THE MAN'S MISTAKE. Instead of going to the Master at once, he went to the servants. They tried to afford relief, but they tried in vain. This course is very natural to mankind. 1. Our pride induces it. Naaman was too proud to simply obey the Divine command; he wanted the prophet to come and touch him with adulation and respect. 2. Our carnality causes it. We are of the earth earthy. We do not apprehend spiritual things, and will have nothing of them. 3. Our faithlessness produces it. We don't believe in the power of an unseen God. It is a painful tendency of the human mind to make gods of men, a tendency which in ancient times developed into idolatry. IV. His APPLICATION. Finding no other help, the man was obliged to go at last to Christ. We may see here, however — 1. His persistency. Although not relieved by the disciples, he was not deterred by their failure; and probably the disciples, when they failed, did as they ought to do — pointed him to their Master. 2. His small amount of faith. Apparently he was so disheartened that he did not know what to do. Faith differs in degree. How strong was that of the centurion — "Speak but the word, and my servant shall be healed." 3. The training of his understanding. Christ first rebuked him — "O faithless generation," etc. — and then encouraged him — "All things are possible to him that believeth." V. HIS DEVELOPING FAITH. 1. He acknowledges his conviction. He began to realize the truth of what the Master said. The germs of belief had existed before; otherwise he would not have approached at all. 2. He confesses his imperfection — "Help my unbelief." There are degrees in everything — in growth, health, wealth. 3. He regrets his weakness — "He said, with tears." 4. He applied for succour. We may bring all our weakness to the Saviour. VI. HIS SUCCESS. Jesus saved the son. There is help for the weakest. (B. L.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. WEB: Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.