Mark 9:14-29. The disciples couldn’t cast out the demon from the boy. The father easily confessed his belief and lack of belief and asked for more. Yet… the disciples are baffled. Mark, in his gospel, leaves the disciples baffled more than the other gospel writers.

One of the heart-searching things about the Gospel of Mark is how I find myself baffled like these disciples. Sometimes I just don’t get things done in the Kingdom I know I have the ability to do, only because I have the power of the Spirit. But when encounters come… sometimes I’m left in the dust like these disciples.

There is also the issue that disciples are supposed to be able to “take over” for the Master while he is away. That is why the father brought the boy to the disciples. Jesus was not available… they should do it. 

Am I, as a disciple, taking on the tasks of my Master?