"The Uncertainty of Faith"

Our scripture today is from Mark, chapter 9 verses 14-24 from the Common English Bible.

14 When Jesus, Peter, James, and John approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them and legal experts arguing with them. 15 Suddenly the whole crowd caught sight of Jesus. They ran to greet him, overcome with excitement. 16 Jesus asked them, "What are you arguing about?" 17 Someone from the crowd responded, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, since he has a spirit that doesn't allow him to speak. 18 Wherever it overpowers him, it throws him into a fit. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and stiffens up. So I spoke to your disciples to see if they could throw it out, but they couldn't." 19 Jesus answered them, "You faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I put up with you? Bring him to me." 20 They brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a fit. He fell on the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been going on?" He said, "Since he was a child. 22 It has often thrown him into a fire or into water trying to kill him. If you can do anything, help us! Show us compassion!" 23 Jesus said to him, "‘If you can do anything'? All things are possible for the one who has faith." 24 At that the boy's father cried out, "I have faith; help my lack of faith!"