The following discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon on June 23/24, “Help My Unbelief” (Mark 9:14–29). The questions can be used for discussion in small groups or for personal reflection.

Outline

1. Problem #1: Demons (Mark 9:14–22)
2. Problem #2: Unbelief (Mark 9:23–27)
3. Problem #3: Prayerlessness (Mark 9:28–29)

Main Point: Faith brings even its doubts to Jesus.

Discussion Questions

• What is the attack strategy of the demon upon the boy? Why does the father ask if Jesus could have compassion on “us”—not only on the boy, but on the father as well?
• How does the tragedy of demon possession turn out for good in driving this father to Jesus?
• In what way does this victory over the demon show the authority and power of Jesus?
• Why does Mark talk about the boy looking dead and then being raised up? Why share those details?
• Why doesn’t the passage end with the casting out of the demon—why return to the question of the disciples’ inability and need for prayer? How does this theme fit with Mark’s wider theme of the failure of the disciples and what they really need?

Application Questions

• Evaluate your own prayer life. Does pride keep you away from prayer?
• In what areas do you struggle with pain, doubt, confusion, or even cynicism? Can you share those areas with your small group or someone else? If you can share them with others, can you bring them to Jesus?
• Are there examples in your life where desperation has driven you to Jesus? Share some of those examples. Are there examples now of things you need to bring to Jesus? What is keeping you from bringing those things to Jesus and crying out to him?
• What can you take away from this message and share with others in your life?

Prayer Focus
Pray for a grace that would run to Jesus and cry out to him, a faith that would bring your pain—and even your doubts—to Jesus.