Mark 9:14-29 “Only Through Prayer”

Mark 9:14-29 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• God is able – Hillsong Worship
• Red Rocks Worship ~ Breakthrough
• CHRIS TOMLIN – Lay Me Down

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus heals a boy (Mark 9:14-29) – Bible Story for Kids
• Every Move I Make I Make In You – Song for Kids
• Nothing Is Impossible by Planetshakers – Song for Kids
• City Kids Praise & Worship | Ask, Seek, Knock Hillsong Kids – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

When Jesus and the three disciples came down from the mountain to the other disciples who had been waiting below, they found them surrounded by a crowd, engaged in a debate with the scribes (v. 14). As soon as Jesus appeared, the crowd rushed toward him (v. 15). They were “greatly amazed” when they saw him, likely because the heavenly radiance from his transfiguration was still visible on him. Similarly, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai after spending forty days there, his face shone with a radiant light (Exodus 34:29).

Jesus asked the disciples what was happening (v. 16), and one man from the crowd stepped forward to explain the situation. He said that his son had been suffering from severe convulsions and seizures, which seemed to be caused by an evil spirit. He had brought his son to Jesus for healing, but since Jesus was not there, he had asked the disciples to heal him instead. However, the disciples could not heal his son (vv. 16-18).

Jesus lamented their lack of faith and then instructed them to bring the boy to him (v. 19). His question, “How long shall I stay with you?” hints at his impending death. When the boy was brought before Jesus, he immediately suffered a severe convulsion (v. 20). The father explained that his son had been afflicted since childhood (v. 21) and pleaded with Jesus, saying, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us” (v. 22).

Jesus responded, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes” (v. 23). The boy’s father, overjoyed, cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (v. 24). Jesus then commanded the unclean spirit, saying, “Come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit convulsed the boy violently and came out (vv. 25-26). The boy appeared lifeless as if he were dead, but Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him, restoring him (v. 27).

When Jesus entered the house, the disciples approached him privately and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” (v. 28). Jesus answered, “This kind can come out only by prayer” (v. 29).

Meditation:

The disciples had previously experienced the power to drive out demons and heal the sick (Mark 6:13). They likely assumed that the same power would work again. However, spiritual power is not a tool that can be used at will once possessed. It is revealed when one’s relationship with God is full and alive. It is not the person who holds power, but rather, God’s power that works through the person. Without prayer, such power cannot be manifested. Jesus demonstrated his authority in the realities of life at the foot of the mountain because he had prayed on the mountain.

Prayer is the effort to keep ourselves in God’s presence. It is spiritual communion with him. Through prayer, we seek the spiritual union of “me in God and God in me.” This refers to deepening our intimacy with God. When this happens, God’s love enters us and flows through us to others. His power fills us and is revealed through our words and actions. Through prayer, we do not become powerful in ourselves; rather, God’s power is manifested through us.

Therefore, those who pray should have the expectation that the almighty God can do anything in them and through them. That is faith. However, when and how God chooses to act belongs to His sovereign will. It is His grace when He acts, and it is also His grace when He does not. No matter how He responds, His love for us remains unchanged.

Therefore, when something happens through our prayers, we must be careful not to take credit for it. Even if a miraculous event, like moving mountains, occurs through our prayers, we must not misunderstand and think of ourselves as someone great, nor should we boast as if it were our own power. This is precisely why some who were once used as powerful “servants of God” later fall into pride, corruption, or even heresy. When God’s power is revealed through our prayers, we should humble ourselves even more and step back. We must say, “It is not me! It is God!” If we fail to do so, we risk falling into the sin of stealing the glory that belongs to God alone.

Prayer:

Lord, we see the miracles that fill the universe. We witness the miracle of life that continues each day. As David confessed, all creation testifies to and sings of your presence. Open our eyes so that we may join in this universal testimony and praise, for we dwell in the embrace of the Almighty. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Prayer connects us to God and allows His power to work through us—not because of our own ability, but because of our relationship with Him. Faith is trusting that God can do everything while knowing that His love for us never changes, no matter how He answers our prayers.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Have you ever asked someone for help with something hard? How did it feel when they helped you?
  • Who do you talk to when you feel scared or need help? How do you think Jesus listens to us when we pray?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus said that some things only happen through prayer. Why do you think prayer is so important?
  • Have you ever felt like God wasn’t listening to your prayers? How does knowing that His love never changes help you keep trusting Him?
• For High School
  • Why do you think Jesus said, “Everything is possible for the one who believes”? How does this challenge the way we think about faith and prayer?
  • The passage teaches us that spiritual power comes from being connected to God, not from our own strength. How does this apply to the way we handle challenges in life?