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In the game of basketball, a player who is fouled often has the chance to shoot a free throw worth one point. It should be one of the easiest plays in sports. It's a direct, unguarded shot at the basket and the conditions are exactly the same every single time.

Yet for decades, elite players have only averaged between 70 and 75 percent from the foul line. You see, for the past 20 years, Larry Silverberg, an engineer at NC State, has studied the physics of the free throw. His findings show that a successful free throw has four parameters: the speed at which you release the ball, how straight you shoot it, the angle, and the amount of backspin.

Surprisingly, Silverberg says there's very little separating the best from the average free throw shooters. Average shooters are often plenty consistent—they're just consistent at the wrong things. That's actually good news because it suggests that sharpshooters are made, not born. Making free throws has little to do with inborn talent or athleticism, and almost everything to do with hard work.

That might explain why the best free throw shooter on earth (at least in practice settings) isn't a pro basketball player at all, but Bob Fisher, a 62-year-old soil-conservation technician from Kansas. By his own admission, Fisher is no standout athlete. He states: "I'm like a million guys…" "I played high school basketball, and I played recreationally till I was 44." A few years later, in his early 50s, he started practicing free throws every day at his local gym. Within a couple of months, he was consistently sinking more than 100 shots in a row. Fisher says it’s all about preparation and practice.

We hear this story this morning, and in wake of the March Madness, there is this idea of precision, and learning perfection of the game comes to mind. (has anyone here watched any of the March Madness, or other basketball games as of late?) You see what’s great about this tournament, is you can have the least likely candidate be the one to come out on top. The 2 seed gets upset by a 15 seed, the 1 seed (some of the best seeds in the country) get upset by the nobody’s, by the 16 seed.

And here’s the point, each team, each player, each organization has an opportunity to improve.

We have a tendency sometimes… of making assumptions about the Characters we read. We have a tendency, of painting these men and woman as though they’re super human. For our kids, they’re like superheroes, for us, they’re like Navy seals, they’re in this elite class... And so, in the midst of imagining these characters as one thing… and painting them in this perfect spotlight, we have a tendency of then discrediting ourselves… and we assume that because we’re not them… we can’t be used by God.

They don’t know what to say. They don’t know what to do. And they simply don’t know.

This morning, I want to remind us of the both the human, and the divine characteristics of those we look at in scripture. And the idea is, if God can use them, then He can use you.

Turn with me to Mark 9. And as your turn there, typically, I give you the sermon points up front. Well this morning, we’re going to discuss the imperfections of the disciples. How they are both divine, and human. And normally I give you the sermon points up front, but be looking with me if you would to see if you can figure out what the points are this morning.

As we turn to Mark 9:2. We recall that in the previous chapter, Peter has recently professed that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus would then go on to say: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” So, we see this divine moment for Peter. Followed by a not so divine moment, as Jesus would go on to speak of his crucifixion and death, and Peter, well he’s got more to say on the subject. The bible tells us that: Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. To which Jesus would say: “Get behind me Satan.”

Well then, we flip to Mark Chapter 9. One of the more intimate moments in scripture. And guess what Peters there. The bible tells us:

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

So here in the scripture, we see that Jesus takes his inner 3, Peter, James and John up to this high mountain, which is likely Mt. Hermon. And here, as we learn from the book of Luke, the disciples are asleep and they wake up to find Jesus has Transfigured. Now the word Transfigured translates to the word Metamorphoo, it’s the same word from which we get the English word Metamorphosis. And it applies to the radical transformation of Jesus and his appearance. And the bible explains that: His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.

Now, it’s important to know that commentaries will agree that it is difficult to understand every detail that about the transfiguration. But still, it’s best interpreted as a glimpse of the future glory of the Son of God at his second coming.

And here, you have Jesus, with Moses and Elijah. (Moses representing the Law) and Elijah representing the prophets. So in them being here… we see that Christ fulfills that law and the prophets.

But here’s what I want us to see, in the midst of this miraculous scene… We’ve got peter. Peter isn’t done speaking. In fact, in the midst of this amazing scene… Peter pipes in…

The bible says: 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Now just a question? Who told peter to say anything in the first place? No one.

And actually, God politely shuts him up. Verse 7 continues: “7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

In other words Peter, you can stop talking.

You see, in this moment, Peter used his human logic and recommended: “let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” You see, This was Peter’s best attempt at avoiding the Crucifixion while keeping the 3 there permanently to set up an earthly kingdom. To which God Turns to turns to Peter, rebukes him and says, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

But here’s what I want us to realize. And this is the first point this morning. The disciples, (specifically Peter here) they don’t know what to say. Verse 6 tells us: 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

You see church, in a divine moment. In a key moment in scripture… We see fear, we see a loss of words. We see human reasoning, we see a loss for word.… but you know what? Jesus wanted them there anyway.

I wonder about us, have you ever been in a moment where you say… well that didn’t exactly come out right?Or man, why did I say that? Can I help you on this… we’re human. We’re not perfect, and yet, God wants to use us in spit of our limitations.

The first point is the disciples don’t know what to say

You see, I’m reminded of On-air announcer Glenn Consor who was doing what he’s paid to do at an NBA game: giving off-the-cuff commentary to the events as they unfolded. But this moment would end up being a notorious chapter in his broadcasting career.

Consor is the analyst for NBC Sports Washington which covers the Washington Wizards. As such, he had a perfect view of Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter, Jr. as he launched a game-winning three-pointer to defeat the Wizards on their home floor. In the shock of the moment, Consor said the following: “You’ve got to give credit. Kevin Porter Jr., like his dad, pulled that trigger right at the right time.”

Consor made the paternal reference because he assumed the Rockets guard was the son of former Washington Bullets standout Kevin Porter. But he was wrong. The father of the Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. did not previously play in the NBA.

However, back in 1993 Porter’s father did plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a fourteen-year-old, a conviction for which he spent four-and-a-half years in prison. So many fans were offended at the comment, because it appeared as though Consor was making a double implied comment of Porter Jr. and his father’s criminal background.

But Consor meant no such harm. He had no idea that his use of the phrase “pulling the trigger” would be interpreted literally and was mortified when he found out about his mistake. The next day he offered the following apology:

Please allow me to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to Kevin Porter Jr., his family and the Rockets organization for the comments I made during last night’s game. I mistakenly thought that Kevin was the son of former Washington player Kevin Porter and was unaware that the words I chose to describe his game-winning shot would be in any way hurtful or insensitive. I have reached out Kevin to personally apologize and hope to be able to talk with him soon.

You see, Some of us, many of us say the wrong thing, at the wrong time. We don’t always get it right. Something comes out of our mouths and we say (to ourselves) “what a stupid thing to say.”

Peter, and the other disciples. They’re weren’t perfect, yet God wanted to use them regardless of their imperfections. This morning, for us… We don’t think we’re qualified… whether its with teaching our children, or an adult Sunday school or in some other setting. But Church, God isn’t looking for perfection, he’s simply looking for a humble heart.

When we’re lost for words, we need only to look to Him. He will speak for us.

That takes us to our 2nd point. Of how the disciples get it wrong. Again be looking with me specifically at what that is.

The bible continues in Mark 9:14-29 14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. 16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

If we stop and look at the scripture, we see another Miracle. This time, we find a boy who has been robbed of his life. This boy is possessed by a demonic spirit and unable to speak. He’s having seizures, he’s been thrown to the ground, he’s foaming at the mouth and gnashing his teeth.

And so, Jesus along with Peter, James and John arrive to find this seen taking place. And just like Moses coming down from mount Sinai to find faithless people waiting, Jesus would also come off the mountain, and again, he finds those present who are struggling with their faith.

And Jesus would go on to rebuke his disciples and those present in the crowd and say:

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” But then he would turn to the boys father. In verse we’re told: 21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. And just so you know, Jesus being all-knowing would have known the length of time this boy was like this. So this question wasn’t about seeking facts, but instead about bearing the Fathers pain, and showing his compassion. And the dad spoke up and said: 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

And here’s the point this morning. I love the father’s expression, in verse 24. He has a sense of faith, certainly, the fact that he is seeking the help from Jesus is proof that he knew of Jesus miraculous powers. But he says these key words, he says: “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” In other words, there was a sense of faith present, be he realized that although he had faith…. He also had doubts. And he ask Jesus to help us unbelief. And we won’t spend a ton of time on this idea, but I do think there’s something to be said about being honest with God. And realizing our shortcomings.

And so here we see this man, exhibit a level of faith, but he realizes that he’s not completely put together. And this is a lesson for us this morning, of course in being honest with God with where you are…

But here’s where I want us to go for a brief moment, verse 28 continues. We’re told: 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”

In this moment, Jesus public ministry is over. But he’s not done instructing and teaching his disciples. You see, as Jesus is gone with Peter, James and John, the other 9 had an opportunity to spread their wings and fly. They had a chance to put their faith in practice. In fact, earlier in Mark 6 Jesus had sent out the 12 disciples. The bible tells us : “They went out and preached that people should repent. Mark 6: 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.” Mark 6:13

In other words they had success before, but here the disciples depend on their own power and they never tried to pray. And what’s the point? They had good intentions, but they did the wrong thing.

2 point. The disciples don’t know what to do

They should have prayed, they should have had more faith, they should have been able to calm the scene. And yet, they failed miserably.

I’m reminded this morning of the classic TV series from the The Andy Griffith Show (does anyone watch that?) well in this episode, Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry, is out of town. His deputy, Barney Fife, is in charge, and he has deputized the local mechanic Gomer Pyle. The two deputies are walking down the street one evening when they notice that someone is robbing the town's bank. In response… They hide behind a car. They are afraid and don't know what to do. Finally, Gomer looks at Barney and says excitedly, "Shazam! We need to call the police."

In utter exasperation, Barney shoots back: "We are the police!"

Now I haven’t seen this episode, but obviously Barny didn’t rise to the occasion… He didn’t do the right thing.

But here’s the key. It didn’t mean he was off the police force.

If we look at the disciples, there were some moment where they did some truly divine, miraculous things… and then were other times, where simply put, they get it wrong. They don’t do the right things. They fail to pray, they struggle to believe, they take matters into their own hands.

But God would choose to use these 12 in spite of their limitations.

Final thing we see Mark 9:30-32

30 They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31 because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

If we stop for a second, we notice that Jesus is with his disciples privately. And here, Jesus is explaining that he would be delivered into the hands of men, and that they are going to kill him. He then explains that he will rise after 3 days. The bible says that they did not understand what he meant. And this concept is a stumbling block for the disciples; they don’t comprehend what Christ is saying.

And yet, despite this revelation that Jesus had made to them… the disciples are off arguing about who among them is the best. The scripture continues:

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” 34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Here’s the point this morning, the disciples had Jesus in their presence. They had the privilege of spending roughly 3 years, eater, walking, talking, learning and doing life with Jesus. But after discussing his upcoming crucifixion, the disciples, aren’t discussing this, they’re discussing who among them is the greatest. You see the disciples are walking on this long road from Caesarea Philippi to Capernaum, and they’re having this heated discussion along the road of who is the greatest. The discussion evidently being so intense, that when questioned by Jesus as to why they were arguing, They kept silent.

And Jesus corrects them, he addresses their pride. He speaks to their faltering hearts, and 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

You see here’s the point, not only did the disciples fail to understand Jesus as he spoke about his crucifixion, they also are focused on the wrong thing. I mean these are the first generation of Gospel preachers, and would be the leaders of the soon to be started churches…. And here they are, arguing about who’s the greatest.

It’s like people going out to the Hardin country fair on Saturday night and showing off their trucks. And entering the truck pull to show the crowds present, that they’re the best.

And Jesus is here, saying guys, you’re missing the point. It’s not about you at all. It’s about me.

3. You see our final point this morning, the disciples simply don’t know

But listen, God still chose them.

I’m going to call Lisa back up at this time.

And as she comes forward, I just want to end with one more verse

John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

Maybe you’re here this morning and struggle with what to say sometimes, that’s okay, God wants to use you.

Maybe you’re here, and you struggle with doing the right thing… and again, that’s okay… God wants to use.

Finally, maybe you’re understanding of things isn’t completely put together. We look at the disciples, and they didn’t understand everything either.