DAY #107: Luke 9:37-56

A man had brought his only son who was possessed by an evil spirit. While the symptoms described by the father sound much like an epileptic convulsion, the destructive intent of the demon was described by the father—the demon was injuring his son. This was more than mere epilepsy; it was indeed a case of demon possession. Mark’s Gospel reveals that the boy could neither speak nor hear.

This desperate man wanted his child to be freed from the demon, so he brought his son to Jesus and his disciples (the disciples had been given authority to heal demon possession). But the disciples couldn’t do it. The text does not explain the reason for their failure. Matthew explained it as the disciples’ lack of faith, Mark as a need for prayer. The disciples certainly tried, but the demon did not respond.

Jesus saw the failure of the disciples to cast out this demon as merely one more indication of the stubbornness and faithlessness surrounding him. The disciples were not singled out for rebuke, but they reflected an attitude prevalent in their society. Jesus would not stay with them forever; one day he would leave and the Spirit would come. The Spirit could help soften stubborn hearts. In the meantime, Jesus would battle this unbelief, but he would not leave this young boy in his horrible condition, so Jesus told the father to bring his son.

As if to show its anger that Jesus was now involved, the demon knocked the boy to the ground and threw him into a violent convulsion. It did not yell Jesus’ name as did other demons, for this one was mute, but it showed its displeasure. Jesus, however, simply rebuked the evil spirit, and it had no choice but to obey. As the boy was healed and returned to his father, the people realized that this was a display of God’s power and they were filled with awe.

Jesus did not let this healing fill him with pride, for he knew that the path ahead did not hold earthly glory and honor. As the crowd murmured their wonder at Jesus, he turned to his disciples and reminded them a second time that he was going to die. This time he added the element that he would be betrayed - this shocking truth did not sink in - instead they argued about who would be the greatest in heaven.

This argument among the disciples about who would be the greatest highlights how they did not understand Jesus’ mission. Jesus was trying to prepare these men for the suffering and rejection that would come. So Jesus called over a little child—considered the most lowly person in first-century society—to show them their false priorities.The disciples had become so preoccupied with the organization of Jesus’ earthly kingdom that they had lost sight of its divine purpose. Instead of seeking a place of service, they were seeking positions of advantage.

Jesus used a child to help his self-centered disciples get the point. They were to have servant attitudes, being not “childish” (arguing over petty issues), but “childlike,” with humble and sincere hearts. Greatness would be measured by attitude toward service—“Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.” True greatness means to deny oneself, willingly serve others, and then follow and obey the Master.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Lord, remove all guile from me. Remove all impure motives and thoughts. Remove any wrong attitude. I want to serve you with a humble and sincere heart. I want to serve others selflessly.

"That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NIV)

Father, thank you for the people of COV. Thank you for their humble hearts. Continue to raise up men and women who just want to serve. Men and women who don't care about who gets the credit. Men and women with humble and sincere hearts.

"Let us draw near to God with a humble and sincere hearts, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22 (NCV)