Mark 9:14-29 I Believe; Help My Unbelief

Last Sunday, we saw the glory of Jesus displayed on the mountain in Mark 9:2-13. Jesus was transfigured before three disciples and the Father spoke from the cloud, calling them to listen to the Son. Jesus had spoken of His death and resurrection and told the disciples they too must deny themselves and take up the cross. Now the Father says, “Listen To Him.” This Sunday, we examine Mark 9:14-29 as they come down from the mountain. Coming off mountaintop glory, Jesus and the three disciples return to the valley where there is chaos, conflict, and wickedness. They are immediately confronted with a crowd around a boy with an evil spirit. The other disciples had tried and failed to cast out this spirit, so the boy’s father cries out for Jesus’ help. Jesus does rescue the boy, but this passage is not about fighting demons. His authority over unclean spirits has been shown repeatedly in Mark already. This passage is about the fight for faith. As the boy’s father pleads for his son, he speaks honestly resonating with Christians through the ages, saying, "I believe; help my unbelief.” The father believes but knows that there is also doubt. The man’s cries out because he knows that only Jesus can grow his faith. The disciples also are struggling to believe. Readers of Mark know that Jesus has given authority to his disciples to cast out demons twice in previous chapters. Jesus commanded them to cast out spirits and empowered them to do so. Yet, here, they are not able to do what Jesus commanded. When the disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to do what he authorized, Jesus tells them that "this kind is only driven out by prayer.” That is strange because Jesus didn’t pray when He cast the spirit out. Like the boy’s father, the disciples must also depend upon Jesus in all they do. They must rely upon Jesus to grow their faith. Jesus’ power alone gives them strength to serve Him as He commands. The disciples seem to have forgotten that all their strength comes from Jesus, something we still do today. See you Sunday. I. Faith is Difficult In the Valley (v. 14-19) II. Faith Grows By Jesus’ Power (v. 20-24) III. Faith Always Relies On Jesus Alone (v. 25-29)