Unbelieving generation

After Jesus and some of His disciples returned from His Transfiguration, they found that the others had been unable to cast a demon out of a possessed boy. Jesus remarked, “you unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you?” (Mark 9:19). I used to think that Jesus was castigating those disciples, or perhaps the father who brought the boy for healing. Instead, I now think He’s commenting on the general state of unbelief present in His society, which He experienced personally in His hometown, Nazareth, where He was hindered from doing a mighty work among them.

How much more so of us in our day, as we live in a materialistic, cynical, and oppositional generation. The unbelief around us can make it hard for us to witness and participate in the mighty works of God. So as we pray for those in need around us, may we take note of our unbelieving environment, and collectively join that same father who went on to pray to Jesus, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).