In Luke 9:41, we read, 'O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." I sense that Jesus is frustrated with his disciples. He is unhappy with his faithless disciples because they couldn't drive the demon from the boy. I feel like he's getting impatient. It seems that Jesus is addressing the weakness of his disciples. Would you consider someone weak when he is not faithful as he should be? Shouldn't we help and encourage the weak?
No, I don't see this as impatience. Frustration -- sure! -- but that is not at all the same thing as impatience.
Yes, his disciples are displaying weakness. But they are also morally culpable. They have been around him for a while, and there is no valid excuse for their lack of faith. Certainly we are to "help the weak," as Paul enjoins us in 1 Thessalonians 5. I am not so sure the Twelve qualify as "the weak," at least not in this context. They were all strong individuals.
The Lord understands our need for faith (and sometimes for evidence -- as in the case of Thomas, John 20). But there comes a point at which we need to take a stand. Once we've seen the evidence and experienced the goodness of God, pleading "weakness" will not wash. This plea is unacceptable. Through the gospels we see that Jesus was an extremely patient person--to the very end in fact.
Let the scripture you quoted move you and challenge you. Don't you see yourself somewhere in this story? (I see myself.) And is it really wrong for the Lord who has bought us, patiently borne us and guided us to have high expectations?
The Lord demands faith. Are we not haunted by his question of Luke 18:8b? Let's be sure we are doing all we can to have a living and active faith.
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