The Gospel of Mark: Help my unbelief

When they came to the disciples (after being on the mountain), they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. When the whole crowd saw (Jesus), they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 

He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keeps this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.” ~ Mark 9:14-29


In this passage we meet the person who just might be the most relatable person in scripture. This father, distraught that his son is suffering, is at his wits end. He is willing to try anything. 

He asked the disciples for help with no luck. And now he says to Jesus, "if you are able..."

Clearly Jesus is a little indignant at that. Of course he is able. And up until now, the people who have come before him for healing have come in an open kind of faith.

This father, on the other hand, is so worried, maybe he isn't thinking clearly. Or maybe he doubts but is willing to try anything.

But in this moment of stress and worry - and yes, doubt - he makes the most beautiful prayer: I believe. Help my unbelief.

Maybe he didn't think it was a prayer, but at its heart, that's what it is. A confession and a petition.

When things are looking dark or stressful in my life, I find this is the prayer I turn to. Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

When I doubt or fear: Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Is there anything that more honestly shows the paradox of faith?


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Question:


Can you think of a time that you doubted and prayed for clarity or help from God?

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