Belgian Biblestudents – Belgische Bijbelstudenten

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:14-24 – Help Me Where I Need Faith

Mark 9:14-24 – Help Me Where I Need Faith

|| Matthew 17:14-21;[1] Luke 9:34-42

MK9:14 Now when they approached the [other] disciples[2] they saw a large crowd around them, and the Bible Copyists were asking them questions. MK9:15 Suddenly when the whole crowd saw Jesus they ran forward to welcome him. MK9:16 Then Jesus asked the Bible Copyists: “What is your argument with them?” MK9:17 So one in the crowd said: “Lord, I brought to you my son who has a speechless demon. MK9:18 Whenever the demon seizes him he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and then becomes rigid. Now I asked your disciples to exorcise the demon and but could not do it.” MK9:19 Jesus answered him: “O faithless generation,[3] how much longer must I remain with you? How much longer must I tolerate you? Bring the boy here!” MK9:20 Now as soon as they brought him to Jesus, when he saw Jesus, instantly the demon threw the boy into convulsions, and foaming at the mouth he kept rolling on the ground. MK9:21 Jesus asked the father: “How long has he been doing this?” The father answered: “Since he was a child. MK9:22 Often the demon throws him into a fire, or into water to drown him.[4] But, if you can do anything, have pity on us and help.” MK9:23 Jesus told him: “That ‘if you are able’ – everything is possible to the person who believes!” MK9:24 Instantly, the father of the young boy said: “I believe! Help me with my unbelief!”[5]

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[1] Matthew 17:14-21: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] The [other] disciples: That is, those not including Peter, John and James. The other eight apostles have been involved in another matter.

[3] O faithless generation: Jesus includes the eight apostles.

[4] Into water to drown him: Demons become trapped within the material form they inhabit and the only thing left is to drive the person to suicide.

[5] Help me with my unbelief: Many have prayed the same since.

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Preceding

Mark 5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 5:1-10 – Demon ‘Legion’ Expelled

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:1-8 – The Transfiguration

Mark 9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 9:9-13 – Elijah Has Come

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

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Additional reading

1. Today’s thought “According to your faith” (July 8)
2. Matthew 17:14-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

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Related

1. Monday through Friday with People of Faith: Day 223/260: The Father of the Possessed Boy
2. Coming Down the Mountain
3. I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!
4. “Lord, I Believe; Help My Unbelief!”
5. belief in the middle of struggle
6. Help my unbelief