Powerless Disciples and Powerful Christ

Mark 9:14-29 (cf. Mt. 17:14-21; Luke 9:37-43)

After Jesus comes down from the glorious experience of the transfiguration on the mount, He is confronted with a serious problem.

Our text is another example of Jesus casting out devils—An exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms earlier (Mk. 1:21-28; 5:1-20; 7:24-30).

“Demons” (devils, unclean spirits—fallen angels) are real.

I. The FAILURE in the efforts of the disciples (vs. 14-19).

A. Disciple’s INABILITY (v. 18—“They could not…”).

• Jesus gave His disciples power over devils in Mark 6:7-13. But now they are ineffective (vs. 17-18, 28). What happened? Past successes do not guarantee present successes.

1. Disappointment of the father. This father came expecting   help, but found none. How often does someone come to God’s people needing spiritual help, but leave disappointed?

2. Discrediting of the disciples — “…THY disciples…”

•  The failure of Christ’s disciples would give cause for Christ’s enemies to doubt Christ.  When Christ’s church fails, it reflects negatively on Christ Himself.

B. The Savior’s INVITATION (v. 19b—“Bring him unto Me.”).

1. If Jesus is going to help, the problem must be brought to   Him.

2. There are some problems your pastor… the doctor… your   friends cannot help.  Bring your problem to Jesus.

II. The FIERCENESS in the assault by the devil (v. 17, 18, 20-22).

•  This no small problem. It was serious and very difficult.

A. Impaired speaking (v. 17)—Satan affects the way a person talks.

B. Deafness (v. 25). The devil makes us deaf to the voice of God and dumb to speak the truth of God.

C. Foulness (v. 25). “foul”=impure, defiled, disgusting, nauseating.” That is what Satan does to a person.

D. Tearing (v. 18, 20). Uncontrollable convulsions.

E. Forming (v. 18, 20). Like a mad dog.

F. Gnashing of the teeth (v. 18). Grinding teeth in pain and distress.

G. “Pineth away” (v. 18). “Pineth” means to wear away physically under distress or anxiety of mind; to weaken.

H. Destruction by burning or drowning (v. 22).

Partial Sermon:  CLICK HERE FOR FULL PDF