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Mark 9:14-29 - Jesus heals a boy with a unclean spirit

This is a account of the casting out of a demon by Jesus.

There was a crowd arguing with the disciples, and Jesus came down to see what it was about. A father brought his son down to see Jesus, to ask Him to cast out the demon. However, the disciples were unable to do so.

The man pleads with Jesus to have compassion on them and help them. He uses the phrase "If you can". Jesus replies him, saying "All things are possible for one who believes."

Immediately, the father cries out declaring his belief, and asking Jesus to help his unbelief.

Jesus then proceeds to cast out the demon, then pick the seemingly dead boy up to life again.

Later on, the disciples ask Jesus why they could not cast out the demon, and Jesus tells them it could only be cast out by prayer.

1. All things are possible for one who believes. This man clearly doubted Jesus's full authority over the demon. However, when Jesus prompts him, he realises that he needs Jesus to help him first to believe, then to cast out the demon.

Similarly for us, we do need Jesus to help us with our faith. No one believes without God first opening our eyes to see Him.

2. The disciples were unable to cast out the demon, and Jesus tells them it could only be cast out by prayer.

I think implied here is that the disciples did not pray. They had become dependent on the name of Jesus, or even their own capability bestowed on them by Jesus. They had forgotten that this "power" comes from God, and it is only God that works miracles, not man.
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