Clear as Mud

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be one of Jesus' 12 disciples? To see the things they saw? To be taught by Jesus, in the flesh, right there where you could touch him, see him, hear him... Maybe had I gotten that chance, I would find it easier to follow him, to understand his teachings. But would I really have "gotten it" any better than those original 12 disciples? Would I have understood the savior more clearly than they? Doubtful.

In today's reading of Jesus' second passion prediction, after being transfigured and healing yet another demon-possessed person, Mark says the disciples didn't "get it", yet were afraid to ask Jesus about it. (v32) I wonder why they were so afraid to ask for clarification. Was it pride? Was it because of the rebuke Peter received when responding to Jesus the last time he was talking about this nonsense (Mark 8:31-33)? Was it because they already felt defeated by failure being unable to drive out the evil spirit (v17-19)?

I don't know why they didn't ask, but the question follows... why am I afraid to ask Jesus for help when I don't understand? There is A LOT in this world I don't understand. There is A LOT in God's Word I struggle to understand as well. Maybe that's why I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have Jesus sit down in the flesh and teach me as he did his first disciples. What God has used to help me in these times when His will seems to be as clear as mud actually comes from the passage in between the verses listed for today.

The demon-possessed boy's father asks Jesus to heal his son, IF he can. Jesus answers him saying, "Everything is possible for him who believes." The father IMMEDIATELY exclaims, "I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief!" And Jesus heals the son. Even though dad had some doubt, he had faith, too. He didn't understand everything that was going on, why the disciples couldn't drive out this spirit, who this Jesus really was. Yet, in spite of his unbelief, his areas of doubts and questions, Jesus heals his son, which I'm guessing certainly helped him overcome his unbelief.

How does Jesus help you overcome your areas of unbelief? When have you experienced his presence and work in your life in crystal clear ways? Are you and I able to cling tightly to those moments, so that when life gets a bit muddy, we can still place our hope, our trust, our faith in our God who keeps his promises? Do you run back to him and his Word, looking for the answers and understanding you hope for? This Lent and always, may we seek him first, trusting in his love and faithfulness to help us overcome any unbelief we face, and stand more firmly on his promises each day.