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 CASE OF THIS MAN. 1. This does not appear to be an ordinary case of dumbness. 2. It was not due to mental ecstasy, such as occasionally produced a temporary suspension of speech. The father of Baptist. 3. The man is described in simple and instructive language as having "a dumb spirit." (1) There is the dumbness of a careless heart. (2) The dumbness of formalism. (3) The dumbness of shame and disappointment. (4) The dumbness of despair. II. THE INTERVENTION OF THE MAN'S FRIENDS. III. THE POWER OF JESUS. 1. Absolute supremacy. 2. The manner of the exercise. 3. The mystery of its power. (L. H. Wiseman, M. A.) I. THE APPLICATION ITSELF. 1. It was made by an afflicted parent. The child mentally afflicted in mind and body — "Oft times the evil spirit." Every sinner is so far under the power of the devil. 2. It was made by a party that deeply felt the circumstances in which he himself and his suffering child were placed 3. That the person who made it stood ready to do whatever our Lord should direct. For this readiness to obey a truly humble heart prepares us, softened by grace. 4. He despaired of help from any other quarter. He was on the verge of despair previous to our Saviour's administering help. Our minds must be brought off from every other dependence. 5. The party before us had a little faith, and was pleading for more. II. THE RECEPTION WHICH THIS APPLICATION TO OUR SAVIOUR MET WITH. 1. Jesus administers reproof to His disciples and to all around Him. Christ often has to reprove us; we deserve it. 2. Jesus directs the sufferer to be brought to Him. 3. Jesus proceeds to correct the views, and inform the mind of the suppliant. Light is given with grace. 4. Jesus gives the party before us the warrant or authority for that faith which He called him to exercise. 5. He strengthens the confidence of the party, whom He thus authorizes to draw near to Him for the blessing requested. 6. The earnestness with which we should draw near to the Great Physician for spiritual help. 7. In some cases of healing special means are to be employed — "Prayer and fasting." (Joseph Taylor.) 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. |
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