Wednesday 18th June
Read Luke 9:40-43
“I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.’
41 ‘You unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.’
42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” (NIVUK)
There is much debate as to who Jesus is rebuking. It seems unlikely that it is the father of the child, he can hardly be considered a ‘generation’. Perhaps it is the crowds that have gathered in expectation but without faith? Or it is the disciples themselves, who despite the amazing revelations granted to them, still don’t understand what it means for Jesus to be who they say He is.
The miracle of the story is almost an afterthought. One can’t help but picture it as done amidst immense disappointment. There is a moment of resistance that is peremptorily dismissed by the Lord. They are all amazed at God’s greatness, but the true greatness is hidden in the patience that flows from the answer to Jesus’ question. He will indeed stay with them, and put up with them, in order to help them understand where true greatness resides.
The lessons will begin immediately. They are lessons for us also.
