Mark 9:14-29

Why Were We Unable....

1. An attention-getter.

The process to see a Doctor in the Marine Corps, or anywhere really, is challenging.

You never really know if you will actually see the Doc or not.

Often, when you show up in the medical clinic, a Corpsman will send you away with a dose of Vitamin “M” (motrin).

It’s not until a patient returns numerous times that they may actually may see a physician.

Until then, you are dealing with the “B” Team which is most likely a corpsman, a nurse or a physician’s assistant.

None of them are as good as the Doctor.

When we need help we want to see the Doc because we trust in their abilities.

When the Doc walks in the room they just seem to have an air of authority and competence.

They give that light tap on the door, they poke their head in and then they seem to know all about you.

Yes, when we need medical attention, it is the Doctor we want to see

but

Many times we find ourselves disappointed with the “B” Team who are doing their best to pretend to be a Doctor.

They try to act Doctorish but we know (and they know) they are not the Doc!

Sometimes, the corpsman & nurses check the same things as the Doctor but fail to properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Jesus, James, John and Peter rejoin the disciples as Mark 9:14-29 recounts their inability to cast out a demon that causes a boy seizures and the inability to speak or hear.

PRAY AND READ Mark 9:14-29

2. Introduction

You will see in this passage three significant theological points:

1. Faith: A major theme in this passage is the necessity of faith.

The father of the boy represents the struggle many face with doubt.

But his plea also reveals a willingness to trust Jesus despite his doubts.

Jesus emphasizes that belief in God's power is essential for miracles to happen.

2. Jesus’ Authority Over Evil: The passage underscores Jesus' authority over evil spirits.

While the disciples struggled, Jesus demonstrated His unique power and sovereignty, showing that He could cast out demons and heal the boy.

3. Spiritual Dependence: Jesus' teaching to His disciples emphasizes that certain spiritual challenges require more than just ritual; they require deep prayer and dependence on God.

This is a lesson in humility and the need for God’s direct intervention in the fight against evil.

3. Point #1 The Desperate Situation (Mark 9:14-18)

Peter, James & John had just witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and all four were just coming into sight of a large crowd gathered around the other nine disciples.

Imagine you were walking alongside Jesus after such an event and you begin to hear yelling and arguing in the distance.

You cannot make out the exact words but the voices sound accusatory and it is clear emotions run high.

Peter, James & John literally just had a mountaintop experience! It was so good Peter wanted to build shelter’s just stay there.

They had been eyewitnesses to Jesus’ glory and power.

and

Now they were back to the real world of arguments, disputes, accusations and threats.

I wonder if they wanted turn around and go back up the mountainside?

This is where we find ourselves very often.

The Christian life is a matter of hills and valleys- from the glory of God to attacks straight from hell.

Just when we feel closest to our Lord & Savior it seems the world comes barging in with a bunch of drama and problems.

Yet, Jesus steps down from the mountain, from glory and communion with the Father, to deal with a man’s desperate situation.

This was business as usual for Jesus- he was constantly called on to save the day!

So how desperate was the situation that Jesus stepped into as he rejoined his disciples?

A. The scene of the crowd and conflict

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.”

1. The scribes arguing with the disciples

The teachers of the law were having a heated argument with the disciples most likely, as we find out, after their inability to cast out a demon from a boy.

As Jesus comes into sight, the text indicates the crowd was overwhelmed with wonder at the sight of Jesus.

NOTE: Some theologians have attempted to explain the crowds wonderment at Jesus as seeing an afterglow of the transfiguration but that is not consistent with Jesus directions to Peter, James & John to tell no one what they had seen.

Illustration: Imagine being in desperate need of a Doctor who specializes in a treatment for your son or daughter.

You are told he is not in the office today but his assistant is available. His assistant was unable to help at all.

Just as you are ready to leave the Doc walks in the office to meet with you and your child- could your reaction be characterized as wonder or amazement that he had just shown up?

The overwhelming sentiment among the crowd reflected confusion and a lack of understanding.

Jesus addresses the situation by asking a question, guiding the disciples to focus their attention on Him.

“What are you arguing with them about?”

2. The father’s desperate plea

His son suffers terribly due to the demonic oppression.

3. Use an illustration to further clarify it.

B. Lessons from the situation:

1. Spiritual battles

Evident in the form of physical or emotional struggles.

2. Jesus' disciples

Involved in ministry but still seem unable to help – a reminder of human limitations.

3. Provide an application-—“Here’s how this idea relates to our lives.”

4. Point #2 Jesus' Challenge to the Faith of the Father (Mark 9:19-24)

1. Explanation

A. Jesus' response to the father’s plea

1. "O faithless generation"

Addressing both the crowd and the disciples, challenging their lack of faith.

2. The connection between faith and healing

Jesus’ question to the father, “If you can, all things are possible for one who believes.”

B. The father’s honest response

1. "I believe; help my unbelief!"

A prayer of both faith and doubt.

2. Emphasis

Even struggling faith can lead to transformation when directed to Jesus.

3. Illustration

C. Application:

Faith is not the absence of doubt but trusting Jesus despite it.

5. Point #3 The Healing of the Boy (Mark 9:25-27)

1. Explanation

A. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit

1. Jesus’ authority over evil

The spirit’s violent response shows the power of Jesus.

2. The boy is healed instantly

Showing Jesus' compassion and power.

B. The nature of Jesus' authority

1. Not just a miracle

A demonstration of the kingdom of God breaking into the world.

2. Illustration

C. Application:

Jesus has the power to heal, deliver, and restore in every situation.

6. Point #4 The Disciples' Question and Jesus' Teaching (Mark 9:28-29)

1. Explanation

A. The disciples’ confusion – Why could they not cast out the demon?

1. Jesus’ response:

"This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."

B. The power of prayer and dependence on God

1. Faith must be rooted in prayer and in an ongoing relationship with God.

2. Trust in God's power, not our own.

2. Illustration

3. Application

7. Conclusion

Reiterate the message: Faith in Jesus is not about perfect belief but about bringing our struggles, doubts, and weaknesses to Him.

Call to action: Encourage the congregation to bring their struggles and doubts before Jesus in prayer, trusting in His power to heal and deliver.

Close with a prayer, asking God to increase our faith and to help us depend on Him fully in all circumstances.

Closing Scripture:

Reference: Mark 9:23, “All things are possible for one who believes.”

1. Summarize what you’ve taught.

2. Present a call to action—what should your congregation do, now that they’ve learned these truths from God’s Word?

Theological Significance