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Text: Mark 9:14-29

Overcoming the Opposition

Introduction

One of the keys to waging successful warfare is identifying and understanding the enemy. This is especially true in spiritual combat. The Scriptures reveal both our enemy and his devices. Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us to put on the whole armour of God, that we might be able to withstand the wiles (methods and devices) of the devil. This passage also describes the enemy's domain as "spiritual wickedness in high places." II Corinthians 10:3-4 instructs us that we do not war after the flesh, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. In I Thessalonians 2:18, Paul reminded them that on one or more previous occasions he would have come to them, but was hindered by Satan.

The Scriptures reveal to us that our enemy is Satan, the author of spiritual wickedness. He is active in hindering any and all kingdom work and progress. His strongholds of wicked influence can be pulled down with the weaponry God has provided. In our text we have an encounter with such wickedness. The opposition was overcome, and vital lessons abound for the Christian soldier.

Observations

I.  Frustration Is Realized (v.14-18)

Frustration may be defined as a strong sense of futility or denial that arises due to prevention from accomplishing a purpose or fulfilling a desire. Our text demonstrates frustration with every party involved (father, son, disciples, the multitude, and Jesus Himself). The cause of the frustration was simply this--a lack of power to perform in the trenches! Nothing frustrates the purposes of God as does a powerless church!

The result of this powerless condition was "questioning" or debate. The Greek root means "to seek together", and is a present active participle. Thus we see the two parties (disciples and scribes) both contending for their own version of the truth, the present participle depicting an extended debate. No doubt the scribes were calling into question the validity of Jesus' ministry. A demonstration of power in the lives of these disciples could have nipped this debate in the bud!

The good news is that frustration realized can be remedied! Note the time reference in v. 15--"when they beheld Him." This is when the situation began to turn around. The verb "saluted" is imperfect in tense, which suggests that the greeting Jesus received upon His arrival at the scene lasted for more than just a few minutes. No doubt everyone (except the scribes) was thrilled to see Him, and no group more than the disciples themselves!

II.  Faith Is Emphasized (v.19-26)

Jesus began His emphasis on faith by expressing holy displeasure at the lack thereof! The phrase "O faithless..." is packed with emotion. The use of plural pronouns means that the displeasure was directed at all parties present, not just the twelve. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

Jesus continues by confronting the father. Note the "if's" here. They are both first class conditions in the Greek text, which assumes the condition as true. When the man says, "If thou canst do any thing", he is assuming that Jesus can. When Jesus says, "If thou canst believe", He is assuming that man is fully capable of exercising faith. How this must have encouraged the father!

Jesus put the burden squarely on the shoulders of this father. He need not depend on another man (i.e., a powerless disciple) to get something from God. Faith is the key that provides direct access! He accepts Jesus' admonition. "I believe; help thou mine unbelief." In response to this cry of despair, the son is delivered!

III.  Failure Is Analyzed (v.28-29)

The disciples afterwards asked Jesus why they could not cast out the demon. Jesus had already referred to them as "faithless", but apparently no one was listening. Prayer and fasting was given as the prerequisite for "this kind" of opposition. His answer affirmed two realities: 1) He was praying and fasting, and 2) they were not! Be prepared for the truth when asking Jesus for an analysis of your failure!

How subtle is the drift into powerless living! These nine men were following Jesus. Their lives were filled with godly activity. They failed, however, in attending to personal worship and spiritual maintenance. Peter, who avoided this public humiliation, later suffered an embarrassment of his own by denying his Lord three times. Earlier in the garden he had opted for sleep rather than prayer, and found himself powerless in the presence of the enemy.

Conclusion

Overcoming the opposition has its roots in power-producing prayer as an expression of faith. Those who experience constant frustration and powerlessness are urged to commit themselves anew to a life of prayer! This is the life exemplified by the  Lord Jesus. He made it clear to the twelve that this kind of existence could be theirs by following His example! Let us go and do likewise!

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