The Afflicted Child
G. R. Leavitt. Mark 9:14-29 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.… This miracle stands inseparably connected with the transfiguration. I. THE CHRISTIAN IS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CHRIST. The father came to consult Christ, but in His absence appealed to His disciples, it should have been a safe appeal. So, everywhere and always, the Christian represents Christ. He holds in his hands the great trust of Christianity. Coming to him should be equivalent in the healing, saving result to coming to Christ. II. THE FAILURE OF THE DISCIPLE IS CHARGED AS THE FAILURE OF CHRISTIANITY. We do not claim the continuance of the power of miraculous healing, but we do claim the presence of Divine power in the Church. The Christian is entrusted with it. He should be always in possession of it. Let our ideas be clear, our claims carefully scriptural, but let it concern us when Christianity is without manifested power. Men will be turned astray and led to question and despise religion. III. CHRIST ALWAYS MANIFESTS HIMSELF TO PROTECT HIS CHURCH AND TO ASSERT HIS POWER. It may be after delay. But He comes. He cannot fail. IV. IF ONE FAILS WITH A DISCIPLE, LET HIM GO DIRECTLY TO JESUS. The petitioner who fails with the captain, goes to the colonel. If he fails again, an earnest petitioner will not stop until he has appealed, if necessary, at headquarters, to the commander-in-chief. V. PARENTS SHOULD KNOW THE CONDITION OF THEIR CHILDREN. Make the moral nature of your child as careful a study as his physical nature. Do not assume too readily that, because young, he is innocent, and good, and harmless. VI. THE DIFFICULTY IN THE WAY OF HEALING IS NOT WANT OF POWER IN GOD, BUT WANT OF FAITH IN MAN. Faith all must have who would receive benefits from Christ. The blessing given is in proportion to the degree of faith. No faith, no blessing; little faith, partial blessing; great faith, great blessing. (G. R. Leavitt.) 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.