Exorcism fail

Today’s readings
Genesis 24,25; Psalm 4; Mark 9

Mark 9:25
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.

It is interesting to note that Jesus does not seem to have a fixed “modus operandi” when it comes to performing miracles. Previously, we read in Mark 7:34,35 about a similar case yet Jesus did not use the same method.
Interestingly, the instructions to the disciples, who had failed to cast out the demon, were different too (v.29).
And then we read of how Jesus was able to heal even when one touched the hem of his garment (Mat 14:36)!

We realise that true biblical miracles, whether they be performed by Jesus or the apostles and disciples always served a spiritual purpose. Even down to the manner it was performed. Hence the “modus operandi” was important, not so much as to determine it’s effectiveness but rather as a message to the recipient and audience. Jesus would use and command to use a method that leaves the desired impact.
Wait, but what about Jesus’ reply in v.29? Wasn’t that a specific instruction and explanation why the disciples failed?
It is interesting to note the sharp rebuke of Jesus in v.19 - “He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.” The account of Matthew in 17:20 tells us it was directed to the disciples. As we read further, it seems that the disciples had begun to be prideful. Squabbling among themselves (v. 33-35) and even having an elitist attitude (v.38,29). Why were they accused of being faithless? Romans 10:17 tells us the source of faith. And when we piece it together, coupled by with the rising arrogance among the disciples, it seems likely that they had become too proud to follow Jesus’ instructions (hence not of faith) and perhaps wanted to use some other more dramatic method to impress the people.
And hence they were taught a humbling lesson and one wonders if it had also been an humiliating experience! (C.f. Acts 19:15,16)

Today, we realise miracles have fulfilled their purpose and have ceased. Yet the concept of adhering to God’s Word, of doing things by faith and not by sight (aka our own methods), remains the same.
Yet thanks be to God it was a lesson learnt when the disciples still had the chance to change! God forbid that we become callous and indifferent to our acts till our time on earth is over, when it will be too late... for