Mark 9:14-29

Read Mark 9:14-29

Helpful Background Information: 

• After the Transfiguration, Jesus and three of His disciples (Peter, James, and John) came down from the mountain and found a chaotic scene. The other nine disciples were surrounded by a large crowd and arguing with some scribes. In the middle of all this stood a desperate father whose son was possessed by a demon. The evil spirit caused violent seizures, threw the boy to the ground, and tried to kill him. The father had brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for help, but they could not cast the demon out. 

• When Jesus arrived, He was frustrated by what He saw. He called the crowd a “faithless generation,” showing that unbelief was a problem not only for the scribes and the crowd but even for His own followers. The father’s honest cry, “I believe; help my unbelief!” captures the heart of the story. Jesus responded to that small, imperfect faith and healed the boy completely. Through this event, Jesus taught that the answer to unbelief is not pretending to have strong faith but bringing whatever faith you have to God and trusting Him with it. 

Reflection Questions: 

• Why do you think the disciples were unable to cast out the demon, even though they had cast out demons before? (See Matthew 17:19-20)

• What would it look like this week to bring your doubts honestly to God instead of “hiding” them?

• What is the significance of prayer in fostering faith in God? In what ways can prayer help you overcome moments of fear or unbelief in your life right now?