When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
Mark 9:14-15 NIV
Being overwhelmed is an experience we’re all familiar with–we have too many things to do and not enough time to get them done. Often times, when we are overwhelmed, it brings us to a place of exhaustion to the point of not wanting to do anything but rest or stay put.
The response to the people being overwhelmed in this passage however, presents the complete opposite response, they ran. Rather than being overwhelmed by the typical things that overwhelm our world such as stress, anxiety, fear, etc. they were overwhelmed with wonder. The second those people saw Jesus, everything they were arguing about became less important than going over and running to greet Jesus. On that note, I encourage you all to take a moment to think:
Has encountering Jesus ever overwhelmed you with wonder?
In this parable, Jesus encounters a boy who has an impure spirit that has taken away the boys ability to speak. The people around the boy had been unable to drive out the spirit, however when they brought the boy to Jesus, the spirit reacts:
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:20-24 NIV
Notice how the same people who were filled with wonder and running to greet Jesus just a few verses ago are now experiencing some doubt and are apprehensive over the situation. Jesus quickly shuts the doubt down by saying “Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
We are no different now then the people Jesus refers to in this parable, sometimes we are filled with wonder and excitement, and then all of a sudden doubt and reasons why we shouldn’t receive what we are asking in Jesus’s name for creep in. It is in those times when we need to rest in the truth of this parable and know that everything is possible for those who believe.
What prevents you from believing that everything is possible for the one who believes and in what ways can you ask God to help you overcome your unbelief?