Jesus came down the mountain, with Peter, James and John, immediately following the transfiguration. They were greeted by a crowd surrounding the other disciples, and a very anxious father who had brought his son to be healed. The disciples had failed. The boy's demonically inspired fits continued and the disciples did not know what to do. When Jesus arrived the father poured out his concern for the boy and his disappointment at the disciples' unsuccessful exorcism.
 
It must have greatly encouraged the man to hear Jesus first rebuking His trainee apostles, and then the demon. It was clear that Jesus was in charge; He was the Master. His authority had immediate effect and the boy was healed. The disciples on the other hand were being publically disciplined. Jesus described them as 'unbelieving' and 'perverse'. More than that, in front of the crowd He expressed His exasperation at their faithlessness.
 
Only a short time before, Jesus had given them authority to heal and exorcise demons (Matthew 10:1,8). But whatever they had done on this occasion, they did without trusting in the authority of Jesus. They may have used an exorcism formula or copied the words of Jesus - without believing that it was Jesus who has the ultimate power over sin and sickness. They thought that they could heal the boy themselves. In that respect, their faith was no different from the crowd's - they wanted to gain something for themselves instead of giving the glory to Jesus. They were indeed a 'perverse generation'.
 
The possibility of power leads many people to make perverse decisions. Instead of working with God, some believers use the opportunities for ministry to glorify themselves. But God has the right to discipline them. Their frustrated ambitions are rebuked while the Lord honours those who are fully trusting in Him. True faith is not believing that we have the power to do something, but trusting that Jesus will release His power in such a way that even Satan cannot defy His authority. Faith in what we can do is spiritually perverse; but true faith in Jesus gives us the confidence to work under His authority, to achieve His objectives, for His glory alone.