Luke 9:37-45 (NRSV)
Read Luke 9:37-45 on biblegateway.com
Verse 37On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Verse 38Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Verse 39Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It convulses him until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. Verse 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not." Verse 41Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." Verse 42While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
Verse 43And all were astounded at the greatness of God. While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, Verse 44"Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands." Verse 45But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Devotion
Some of us actually find comfort in the human weakness of the disciples. They lacked the faith to heal the young epileptic, they could not comprehend what Jesus meant about his coming betrayal, and they were afraid to ask. If even those who lived for several years with Jesus had such fear, doubt, and lack of understanding, then maybe there is hope for us later-day Christians who are sometimes afflicted with the same limitations.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for the example of Jesus’ disciples, not only in their strength and courage, but also in their moments of weakness. As you taught and supported them, do also with us. Amen.