Mark 9:14-29 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.… Christ's reply taught the disciples that — 1. Miracles needed force to work them. 2. Soul forces are the highest class of forces, and faith force is the highest of all soul forces. 3. Faith force needs cherishing (1) by consecration watchfully kept up, i.e., fasting; (2) by communion with God carefully maintained, i.e., prayer. Indulgence of the body enfeebles the soul; living apart from God is living apart from omnipotence. 4. Earnest love is the secret of all miracles. Had they made this sorrow their own — fasted as for their own trouble, prayed as for their own mercy — their love would have "believed all things," and been triumphant in its faith. (R. Glover.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.WEB: Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. |
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