Where is the mother in this story?
The disciples could not heal the boy. So the father appeals to Jesus, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son. He is my only child.” If he is a widower, those words are all the more poignant. The disciples had been of no help. They are rebuked as a ‘faithless generation’. Who would want to be a disciple of Jesus, if you as a disciple get publicly rebuked for your lack of faith? Does this portrayal of Jesus fit into your mental picture of Jesus?
How willing am I to learn from Jesus, even when I am shown up? Jesus healed the boy and gave him back to his father. “And all were astounded at the greatness of God.” How willing are we to be part of the astonishment of the greatness of God – at our expense? Or do we want the limelight for ourselves?
Rev Walter Abetz