Jesus had trained the disciples and sent them out experience His kingdom unfold as they interacted with people. But He became frustrated as He saw them arguing with the scribes. I wonder if Jesus is just as frustrated with our modern day argumentative attitude, failing to demonstrate compassion to those who most need His presence. Would He say “You just don’t get it! You are a faithless generation!”? Jesus immediately turned to the boys with compassion. May you and I be ever ready to be the salt and light in a world full of darkness.
“Jesus said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.”[20] That doesn’t sound safe, does it? News flash: The will of God isn’t an insurance plan; it’s a dangerous plan. Jesus didn’t die just to keep us safe; He died to make us dangerous. Discipleship, I daresay, is a form of rewilding.” - Excerpt, A Million Little Miracles by Mark Batterson
““Jesus’s reaction reflects frustration rooted in preoccupation. His mind was obviously on what he would experience in Jerusalem, but the needs and demands of the crowd continued to intrude on his time and thought. Jesus recognized that his time was limited. “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you?” (Mark 9:19). “You faithless generation” appears to be a reference to the father and the crowd, but it can also be understood as a reference to his disciples who were unable to heal the boy. If the crowds had their way, all his time and energy would be given to meeting their demands. The temptation of Capernaum (Mark 1:35–39) surfaces yet again. Jesus’s command, “Bring him to me,” suggests his comments were about the father, who represented the crowd. They were “a faithless generation” in that they were preoccupied with physical and material needs. As a result, they missed the greater good of the kingdom.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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