COMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 100
“ Mark 9:28 And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28-29; Matt 17:19-21)
THE BOY WITH AN OPPRESSING SPIRIT #4
INTRODUCTION
It has been a most eventful period of time. For Jesus, He had been transfigured, talked to Moses and Elijah about the death He was going to accomplish, heard God speak out heaven confirming His preeminence, and confronting and healing a boy who had been controlled by an unclean spirit. For Peter, James, and John: they had heard Jesus pray, and seen Him transfigured, they had fallen asleep, awakened to see Moses and Elijah leaving, sought to lengthen their time there, and heard God tell them to listen to Jesus alone. For the nine disciples who were at the base of the mountain, they had confronted a man with son who had a demon, who had asked them to cast him out. They could not do it, had an embarrassing discussion with the scribes, and were finally rescued from the dilemma by Jesus, who took command of the situation. In these cases we see the superiority of the Lord Jesus above all. He and the Father are one, the spirits of just men made perfect center in Him, and evil spirits obey Him. Peter, James, and John confirm there are profound advantages to being close to Christ. Such disciples are given to see more and hear more. The nine disciples substantiate that effort without Jesus is more difficult, to say the least. In them we see that there is not some spiritual law in place that makes you superior because you have been with Jesus, been taught by Him, and witnessed His mighty works. You can still fail and be embarrassed by your critics. In this case we will find that all human weaknesses are not terminated because we have been with Christ. There are matters that require extended effort. Faith does not grow by itself, but requires the involvement of those who possess it. No aspect of the Kingdom is automatic, causing the individual to advance and mature independently of attention and effort – even though salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast.” Blessed is the person who can see this, and acts appropriately on such knowledge.
WHY COULDN’T WE DO IT?
“ Mk 9:28 And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could not we cast him out?”
HE WAS COME INTO THE HOUSE. Some versions read, “when He had gone indoors.” NIV/AMPLIFIED There was apparently a house near to the place this great work was done, and it was one in which Jesus was welcome. Some have even conjectured that it was the house of the man whose boy had been healed. JOHN GILL There were people who made their homes available to Jesus – such as Martha (Lk 10:38; John 12:1-3). Matthew, also called Levi, who had Jesus in his home (Lk 5:29), and Simon and Andrew who did the same (Mk 1:29). There were also people who made it their business to minister regularly to Jesus and His disciples. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome are said to have ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, with “many other women” (Mark 15:40-41). Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, also “ministered unto him of their substance”(Luke 8:3). These precious souls made our Lord’s time among men more tolerable, and they will surely be richly compensated in the world to come.
In this we see the humanity of Jesus, which involved a remarkable condescension. He who had never been weary, required rest, or was hungry, walked among men experiencing these things in order that He might be a merciful and faithful High priest in things pertaining to God (Heb 2:17). He experienced weariness (John 4:6), hunger (Matt 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), sleep (Luke 8:23), being strengthened (Luke 22:43), being ministered to (Matt 4:11; 27:55), praying (Mk 1:35; Lk 5:16; 9:18), and even being baptized (Lk 3:21). When we read of such experiences, we should always remember how far Jesus descended in order that He might partake of such things. They are all “flesh and blood” experiences, confirming that Jesus was a real man, with very real human experiences (Heb 2:14).
HIS DISCIPLES ASKED HIM PRIVATELY. Matthew says the disciples came “to Jesus apart,” or “privately” NKJV– when no one else was around (Matt 17:19). There were times like this when the disciples sought private tutelage from Jesus – apart from the multitudes. Toward the close of His ministry, Peter, James, John, and Andrew “came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matt 24:3; Mk 13:3-4). Another time, when Jesus was “alone,” the disciples asked Him to explain the parable of the sower (Matt 4:10).
There are times when private audiences with the Lord are necessary – times when it is not appropriate to speak publicly about matters upon our hearts. Jesus referred to such times when He said, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matt 6:6).
If you will carefully examine the Gospels, you will find very few times when Jesus gave extensive exposition to the multitudes. Such times were generally reserved for occasions when He was alone with his disciples. What is commonly referred to as the sermon on the Mount was delivered to “His disciples” (Matt 5:1). Earlier Mark contrasts how Jesus spoke to the multitudes, and how He spoke to the disciples. “But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples” (Mark 4:34). It is not possible to overstate the value of being alone with Jesus! This is an integral part of believers living “unto Him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor 5:15).
WHY COULD NOT WE CAST HIM OUT? This was asked by the nine disciples who were not chosen to go up to the mount of transfiguration. In a way, this was an embarrassing thing to ask, but it is also something that must be done. Matthew also records them asking this question (Matt 17:19). This was not something to be asked in the presence of the scribes, who had questioned them (Mk 9:14). They had successfully cast out demons before (Matt 10:8), having been given power to do so (Mk 3:15). Had they lost this power, and if so, why had they lost it? What was the cause behind their failure. They knew there was a cause!
Note also, they were apparently surprised that they could not do this: “Why could not we drive it out?” AMPLIFIED They felt their impotence and were concerned about it. They could not simply dismiss this by saying God was not willing, or it was not the proper time, or it was something impossible for them. The fact that Jesus did cast out the demon removed all such questions. They sensed that they were still disciples, or learners, and here was something they did not know: “How is it that we could not expel the spirit?” WEYMOUTH
Without pressing the matter beyond a reasonable boundary, it seems that it is often appropriate to ask the Lord why we are unable to do things that it appears would bring Him glory. Although stereotyped religion provides us with answers to such inquiries, I must admit that I am not satisfied with them. Each disciple should have a working acquaintance with Jesus, so that they can bring such inquiries to Him in the expectation of receiving an answer.
BECAUSE OF YOUR UNBELIEF!
“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matt 17:20).
Matthew provides this part of the dialog, and it is worthy of consideration. Because Jesus is Himself “the Truth” (John 14:6), His answers always clarify the situation. He has no interest in salving the conscience, or daubing inquiring souls with “untempered mortar,” only to “smear whitewash upon it” NRSV (Ezek 13:10-11).
BECAUSE OF YOUR UNBELIEF! Other versions read, “the littleness of your faith,” NASB “you have so little faith,” NIV “your little faith,” NRSV “you don’t have enough faith,” NLT “through your want of faith,” YLT and “ Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust].” AMPLIFIED
The word “unbelief” is worthy of note. It is comes from one of those words for which an exact English counterpart cannot be found. It means “want of faith and trust . . . weakness of faith” THAYER and “lack of trust, lack of faith.” FRIBERG It is the opposite of being “full of faith” (Acts 6:5), or being “strong in faith” (Rom 4:20). Elsewhere Jesus also spoke of “little faith” (Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8) – that is, a faith that is infantile and requires further development. There are several things to be learned from this text.
There Are Degrees of Faith. There is a faith that is described as one that “groweth exceedingly” (2 Thess 1:3). There is a very real condition in which one “staggers not” because of unbelief, but is “strong in faith giving glory to God” (Rom 4:20). There is also a condition in which one is “weak in the faith.” In this condition, the soul is a novice, and does not see matters clearly. Because of this, they are easily confused about practical matters (Rom 14:1-3). The objective for all disciples is for faith to be their strong point, not their weakness.
Faith Is Required in Kingdom work. Men and women of God do not gain power because of their position, but because of their faith. When the members of the body of Christ are reminded to remember the individuals who are leading them, they are told, “whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation” (Heb 13:7). I cannot begin to tell you how many Christian leaders I have known in whom little or no faith could be detected. Such people are not to be followed or heeded. They are rather to be demoted to “the room of the unlearned” (1 Cor 14:16).
The Powers of Darkness do Not Yield to Formulae and Principle. Whether or not men can detect the presence of faith, demons and the powers of darkness can. They will not yield to unbelief, little faith, and those who are weak in faith. Jesus will elaborate no this matter.
FAITH AS A GRAIN OF MUSTARD SEED. Other versions read, “faith as small as a mustard seed,” NIV “faith the size of a mustard seed,” NRSV “faith like a grain of mustard seed,” ESV and “as much as in a grain of mustard seed.” GENEVA Some of the versions are confusing, focusing on the size of the mustard seed. However, that is not the Lord’s emphasis. The word “as” is a precise translation of the Greek word w`j, which means “like as, even as, according as, in the same manner.” THAYER The point is not the size of the seed, but what is in it – the nature of the seed. It is not the seed itself, but what it becomes. Elsewhere Jesus said that in its beginning, the mustard seed is the “least of all seeds.” However, “when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs” (Matt 13:32; Mk 4:31-32; Lk 13:19).
When faith is found in pure heart, it tends to grow and increase just as surely as a mustard seed that is placed in good soil. “Unbelief,” as used in this text, is found when this growth is not being realized. Inhibiting influences are found that block the advance of faith.
SPEAKING TO THE MOUNTAIN. Jesus arrests the attention of the disciples by saying that a genuine and growing faith will result in impossible things being done: “you shall say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you” NASB (Matt 17:20). In a similar passage in Mark, the following words are added, “and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe those things that he saith” (Mk 11:23). Luke records Jesus saying on yet another occasion, “If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you” (Luke 17:6).
All of this presumes involvement in the will of God, discernment, and a life that is being lived exclusively for God. Where these are not found, it is pointless to talk about what men can or cannot do. God’s house is not divided, and He does not work contrary to his purpose.
In the case before us, the matter was within the circumference of God’s will, for Jesus expelled the oppressing demon, seeing and doing the works of the Father. The deficiency was not found in the circumstance, or in the timing, but in the disciples themselves. That confirms to us that the condition of the followers of Christ is more important than the circumstances they face. If this was not true, there would be no point to this passage.
SPECIAL EFFORT IS REQUIRED
“ 29 And He said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Jesus now gives another perspective on why the disciples were unable to cast the dumb spirit out of thy boy who was brought to them.
THIS KIND. There are complexities in working for the Lord that exist because of the divers personalities at work all round us. Here we will find that just as all holy personalities are not the same, so all unholy personalities are not identical For example, there are angels (Heb 1:7), archangels (1 Thess 4:16; Jude 1:9), principalities and powers (Eph 3:10), seraphim (Isa 6:2,6), and cherubim (Gen 3:24). Even so, there are diverse personalities among Satan’s host. These include demons (James 2:19), principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12), and princes (Dan 10:20). Even within these categories – such as demons – there are different kinds of spirit.
Jesus refers to “this kind” – that is, this kind of demon. Other versions read “this sort,” BBE “this kind of spirit,” GWN “cases like this,” LIVING “an evil spirit of this kind,” WEYMOUTH and “this sort of thing.” WILLIAMS Some have imagined that “this kind” refers to the kind of faith that is required. This not the case, for faith is never said to “come out,” or “come forth.” Nor, indeed, is its presence ever related to fasting. The reference here is to the kind of spirit they had confronted.
CAN COME FORTH BY NOTHING. Other versions read, “cannot come out by anything,” NASB “can come out only,” NIV “cannot be driven out by anything,” RSV “Nothing will make this sort come out,” BBE and “the only way that you can throw this kind out.” IE
Here was an opponent that required more than the disciples had at that time. It was a spirit that would not yield to powerless words, or submit to a lifeless procedure or routine. Fortunately for the disciples, their faith was apparently sufficient to keep the demon from attacking them, but he would not leave the boy upon their word or work. At that time, for them, this was something that was impossible.
PRAYER AND FASTING. There was something that would cause this demon to come out – “prayer and fasting.” Some more modern versions leave out “fasting.” When Daniel set his face to seek the Lord, he accompanied his prayers with “fasting” (Dan 9:3). Even if one chooses to omit the word “fasting,” the meaning of the text is not altered. The idea here is that of devoting oneself wholly to prayer for an extended period – as Jesus did when He prayed throughout the night prior to choosing His disciples (Lk 6:12).
The point is that here are some Kingdom tasks that require the most profound spiritual resources that are available – resources that require extensive effort. Jesus referred to this kind of endeavor when He said, “Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you”(John 6:27). Paul referred to this kind of diligence when he wrote of “striving together for the faith of the Gospel” (Phil 1:27). He did the same when he wrote to the Roman brethren, “strive together with me in your prayers for me” (Rom 15:30). The same fervency is seen in the words, “seek the things which are above,” and “set your affection on things above” (Col 3:1,2). The same approach to prayer is emphasized in the words, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Eph 6:18).
There are foes and circumstances to be faced that will not yield to “little faith,” or a faith that is “weak.” There are required spiritual resources that cannot be obtained with casual and intermittent efforts. Many a professing Christian has faced repeated failure, and maybe even defeat, because they simply have not extended themselves to obtain things that pertain to life and godliness. They have not added to their faith (2 Pet 1:5-9). They have not sought “first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt 6:33). They have failed to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). Unlike Jacob, they have let go too soon, before they obtained the blessing (Gen 32:26).
One of the great jeopardies of this time is that a religion is being foisted upon men that requires very little effort, hardly any time, and absolutely no consistency. Neither God nor Satan will give any heed to it – and we must face them both. God will not shower goodness and help upon casual souls, and Satan will not yield to them. If at any time you are tempted to think this is not true, begin to tally up the great benefits you received from the Lord while you were loafing through the Kingdom, caught up in he flesh, and focusing on this present evil world. What good things came to you while you were in such a posture? And what triumphs over the wicked one did you realize while you strolled along as though there was no danger?
It has become quite fashionable for people to lift their voices to the heavens and ask “Why?” “Why did this happen to me?” I do not doubt that if they had ears to hear, they would hear the Master fairly shouting to them, “Because of your unbelief! Your circumstance requires more investment on your part!” Perhaps, at times, you also have sensed this response.