In this passage of God’s Word we see the disciples in a pickle. Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the mountain of transfiguration and when they returned we see the scribes arguing with the disciples. From Mark’s account (Mark 9:14-29) of this story we can see more clearly why: they have run into a situation where even though Jesus has given them authority over demons, they cannot cast this one out. By taking a closer look at this story, we can see what we are to do when it feels like Jesus isn’t around, and what He’s called us to isn’t working:

1. Don’t get distracted, instead go to God in prayer

Mark 9:14-16, 28-29, Titus 3:9, 1 Tim. 1:6-7, 2 Tim. 2:14-16, 6:2

2. Go to God with your doubts

Mark 9:18-24, Rom. 8:28, James 1:5-8

3. Realize what God is capable of

Mark 9:25-27, Matt. 19:26, 1 Cor. 6:14, Is. 26:4

Reflection Questions

1. Recently, Jesus sent his disciples out and gave them authority over demons. However, they have ran into a situation in this passage where that power simply isn’t working, and now the scribes are arguing with them about it. That must have been so aggravating. Have you ever run into a situation where God called you to do something, and it just didn’t work? What happened? How did that affect your faith in the short-term, and in the long-term?

2. The disciples were distracted by the scribes arguing with them. Instead of getting distracted by arguing with the scribes, they should have spent time in prayer, relying on God for the help that they needed to cast the demon out of the son (see Mark 9:29). Have you ever felt like you’ve gotten distracted from what God called you to? Is there anything that has a pattern of distracting you from what God has called you to? If so, what? Why do you think it distracts you and how can you overcome it?

3. The father still went to Jesus for the help that he desperately needed for his son, even though it is evident that he wasn’t sure that Jesus was capable of helping him (see Mark 9:23-24). Even so, Jesus helped the father to have a better mentality of what He is capable of, as well as casting the demon out of the son. In the midst of a situation that isn’t going well, do you ever doubt God? If so, why? Are there any situations that lead or seasons of your life where that happens more often? How can you take that God with the same mentality of this father: “I believe; help me with my unbelief.”