Mark 9:14-29 The plea of a desperate father
Any parent whose child is sick – very sick and for a long time, knows exactly how the father in this passage feels. Imagine seeing your child thrown in fire or in water since childhood! vv.21-22
The father said to Jesus: “But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” BUT is the big connecting word. He knew that his son was very sick and seems hopeless.. BUT if Jesus can do ‘anything’ (anything at all). Secondly, he asked Jesus to ‘take pity’ – ‘Maawa na po kayo sa amin!’ Please help us.
Thirdly, the father is willing to believe that a miracle can happen. And even then, his last plea is for Jesus to help him in his unbelief! v.24
What a discerning/humble father! He so much wanted for his son to get healed – he pleaded with Jesus to have compassion/pity on them. He asked Jesus to do anything he can. He also asked Jesus to add to his faith – knowing it might be lacking.
Even faith is a gift/grace from God. To be able to believe – to trust that God is too wise to be mistaken and too good to be unkind, this firm confidence, we should ask God to give to us.
I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief! When I do, then there is nothing in life that is too difficult to bear or to overcome.