Anchor My Faith

Is Prayer Important To You?

Scripture: Matthew 17:20; Mark 9:28-29

After the excitement of healing the demon possessed boy in the previous lesson, Jesus moves on to someone’s house where the disciples ask him a question.

^{Mk 9:28} “And when [Jesus] had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”’

The disciples that asked would be those Jesus left behind when he with Peter, James and John went up the mountain and experienced the transfiguration. These wanted to know why they were unable to cast out the demon.

^{Mt 17:20} “He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” ^{Mk 9:29} “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”’

The reason given by Jesus for why they were not able to cast out the demon, was their lack of faith, but in addition to this was their lack of understanding. In Mark 8:14 – 21, we covered the situation when the disciples forgot to take some bread with them on a boat trip and during a discussion about bread and its connection with leaven of the Pharisees, Jesus tells them they lack understanding. They also had a lack of ability. In Mark 6:7 Jesus gave the disciples authority over unclean spirits and sent them out two by two. Then in Mark 6:13 is their report that they cast out many demons. But here in verse 18, they fall short in ability to help the boy. They seemed to lack the ability to fully carry out their commission from Jesus.

To be affective in ministry, one needs to improve in understanding, increase in ability and grow in faith. To help in our understanding, we are to “Be diligent to present [ourselves] approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB).

To help in our ability is the power of Christ. Consider Paul’s thorn in the flesh. ⁸ “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8 – 10 ESV). When we concede our weakness, God is able to strengthen us.

To grow in faith, we need to hear the word of God and act on it. “So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17 ESV). ¹⁷ “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. ¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17 – 18 ESV). We must be in the word and we must live it out.

Jesus closes his comment by stating the importance of prayer. To improve our understanding and ability, and to grow in our faith, we need to connect with God in prayer. When we see our need and humble ourselves before him and seek him in prayer, he will provide what we need for an effective ministry. Ministry is not about us; it is about God using us in doing his work.

Conclusion

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 ESV). This is how we are to live and effectively serve him.