I have a question part 2 - Patience

[itsmerich]

In mark 9 we read

19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Basically Jesus says - how long must I put up with you. My question is we have this notion of a patient and kind Jesus but He knows how stubborn/hard headed most of the people are - why would he say something pretty snappy. He knows His ministry is short so saything is comes off rude as we read with modern eyes.

He's snapping at a guy just asking why his apostle's couldn't cast out the demon.

Thoughts on this - I just don't see this as being a good example in this passage.

Thanks all

[Alexander]

I don’t see his remark as mean or snappy. I view it as a calm, saddened, compassionate approach. Jesus approached the crowd wondering what their discussion was about. His disciples could not cast the evil spirit out of a boy. He is sad and asks them why they are so unbelieving and how long must he must be there for them to understand. It’s a call for them to have faith. His immediate request is that they bring the boy to him (a patient and kind and merciful act). Jesus is able to heal the boy through the fathers faith. Jesus in the process shows his disciples how they can heal (because previously they were being taught, but did not understand. They were unable to cast the demons from the boy).

But this is just my own view/interpretation.

[MMbelieve]

In mark 9 we read

19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

Basically Jesus says - how long must I put up with you. My question is we have this notion of a patient and kind Jesus but He knows how stubborn/hard headed most of the people are - why would he say something pretty snappy. He knows His ministry is short so saything is comes off rude as we read with modern eyes.

He's snapping at a guy just asking why his apostle's couldn't cast out the demon.

Thoughts on this - I just don't see this as being a good example in this passage.

Thanks all

I think it’s a matter of the heart. He has patience for those who have good hearts because eventually they will come unto him.

His statement to the man where he said get behind me Satan is a good example too. Christ knows the adversary and perhaps when he’s saying stuff that seems harsh or snappy he’s referring to Satan and his flock of followers.

[abijah`]

pretty sure his remarks are directed at the apostles rather than the man seeking a blessing for their failure to cast out the spirits.

interesting how he calls them "this generation" and how long he'll be with "them"...
hmmm......

[itsmerich]

Thanks everyone - @abijah that's an interesting take how he's talking to the apostles. I'm still scratching my head on this as everyone in this situation (speaking of the chapter/story) wasn't being rude or showing disbelief and here comes the guy asking why the apostles could''t cast out the devil (the apostles were trying) but apparently this kind of devil needed fasting and prayer so it was a teaching moment. The people/apostles were still absorbing (like babes) this new doctrine and change from the old jewish traditions - yeah this one still is a bit hard for me to swallow but appreciate the comments so far