Three Horrible Words to Say to Jesus

When a man brought his son to Jesus for deliverance, he uttered three words that should never be used to address the Christ.  When we approach Jesus in our need, He deserves complete faith in His ability.

Mark 9:14-29

14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. 16 And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. 18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” 19 And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Lacking Power (Mark 9:14-18)

  • As some disciples struggled with Jesus’ purpose on the mountain, these struggled with his power in the valley.
  • Mere association with Jesus doesn’t guarantee access to His power.
  • Our failures not only damage our reputations but they can also tarnish others’ perception of Christ.

Struggling Faith (Mark 9:19-27)

  • Our lack of faith robs us of seeing Jesus work miraculously in our lives.
  • Three horrible words that you should never say to Jesus: if you can.
  • Even when your faith is underdeveloped, don’t allow it to be misdirected.

Neglecting Prayer (Mark 9:28-29)

  • Don’t neglect to seek from Jesus how you can learn from your spiritual failures.
  • We will always lose spiritual battles if we rest on previous accomplishments or personal abilities.
  • Depending on God through prayer reminds us that we are not in control.