“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.” Luke 9.41-43
Some might read this and the title I’ve chosen, “The Rebuke,” and wonder which one I’m talking about. In this passage, there are two rebukes: the one commanding a demon to come out of the boy, and the one directed at an unbelieving and perverse generation that does not believe in the healing power of God.
It’s easy for me to sit here on my couch, reading God’s Word and calmly considering the situation. Jesus is in the middle of full-on ministry—fighting demons, correcting disciples. I mean, He is all in. He’s on His three-year tour of the nation of Israel, from top to bottom, and people are responding in droves. Yet He is also stirring up a lot of dissension in the spiritual realm as He breaks the chains of those held captive to sin and possessed by demons.
Jesus’ rebuke in this case is ironic—He rebukes the people for not being able to rebuke the evil. And yet He doesn’t leave them without guidance: He shows them that it can be done and reprimands them for their unbelief.
But His rebuke of humanity is not without merit. He calls them an “unbelieving and perverse generation.” If only that weren’t true! Sadly, we find ourselves in a state of depravity—perhaps even total depravity. Lost without Christ. Slaves to sin. We are unable to save ourselves. But isn’t that the point of Jesus? He is speaking truth but is also ready to save. Like a parent who corrects a child yet still remains to offer guidance, wisdom, and love.
After Jesus rebukes both humans and the devil, He demonstrates the power of God over this broken and depraved world by healing the boy and returning him to his father. And what happened next? Amazement seized the people because of the “greatness of God.”
We have a God who does not give up on us. When He speaks the truth in love through a rebuke, He is still willing to save us, heal us, and reveal God’s glory. He is our hope—our only hope. He is the one who cancels sin, redeems the broken, and finds the lost. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. He came once as a baby and will return as a victorious warrior, taking back with Him all who are in Christ.
Will you turn to Him this day? Right now? Confess your sins, give Him control of your life, and invite Him to be your Lord and Savior—for today and into eternity.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. When my love fails, Your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit; fill me with Your love. I praise Your name and exalt You forever. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.