“I begged Your disciples to drive it out, but they couldn’t.” Luke 9:40 HCSB
Jesus gave the disciples the power to drive out demons (Luke 9:1). But this one was a bit more stubborn. Jesus knew how to handle it. I think that is one reason why Jesus was up on the mountain praying (Luke 9:28).
“Then the disciples approached Jesus privately and said, “Why couldn’t we drive it out? ” “Because of your little faith,” He told them. “For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not come out except by prayer and fasting. ””
Matthew 17:19-21 HCSB
The real problem was the lack of readiness on the part of Matthew and the others. Peter, James, and John were up on the mountain with Jesus. Maybe these were the leaders and the other 9 was just following along letting the three lead. Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas was riding on the coat tales of Peter, James, and John. So this was a test to see if they had the faith to do it. They did not!
How about us? Will we have the faith to do what God calls us to do? Or will we continue to ride on the hard work done by our pastors and leaders?
Every one of us has a job to do in the kingdom of God but our churches are filled (well not right now) with people who would rather just listen to one person deliver a message that they spent 6 to 8 hours preparing but would only last 20 to 30 minutes.
“And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 HCSB
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 HCSB
It is not only the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers' job to do the work of ministry, but it is our job also. It is their job to equip us to be ready to do the work. The best way for them to get us ready is to point us toward the Word of God so that we may be complete and equipped when the time comes.
“but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
1 Peter 3:15 HCSB
“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:1-2 NASB
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