Belief and disbelief - Talitonu ma le lē talitonu

Scripture Focus: Mareko 9:14-27

Coming to the disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them. Immediately all the multitude, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him greeted him. He asked the scribes, “What are you asking them?” One of the multitude answered, “Teacher, I brought to you my son, who has a mute spirit; and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.” He answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to me.” They brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth. He asked his father, “How long has it been since this has come to him?” He said, “From childhood. Often it has cast him both into the fire and into the water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of him. The boy became like one dead; so much that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand, and raised him up; and he arose.
- Mark 9:14-27 (WEB)

Study:

This passage shows us the struggle between belief and unbelief. A desperate father brings his possessed son to Jesus after the disciples fail to heal him. Jesus confronts the unbelief of the generation and challenges the father’s faith: “If you can believe, all things are possible.” The father’s honest prayer, “I believe; help my unbelief,” highlights the tension many believers face. Jesus’ power over the unclean spirit and his restoration of the boy emphasize the victory faith brings over doubt and darkness.

Application:

Today, many of us wrestle with doubt and varying degrees of faith. This story encourages us to bring our uncertainties honestly to Jesus, asking Him to strengthen what wavers. Like the father, we can admit our doubts but still trust in Christ’s power and compassion. When we invite Jesus into our struggles, He breaks the chains of spiritual oppression and raises us to new life. Our faith need not be perfect; Jesus accepts and works through honest, seeking hearts.

Reflection Questions:

• Where do you find yourself struggling between belief and doubt?
• How do you respond when your faith is tested in difficult circumstances?
• What can you learn from the father’s honest plea for help in unbelief?
• In what ways can you invite Jesus to work in your life despite your doubts?
• How does Jesus’ compassion in this story encourage you in your spiritual journey?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for understanding our doubts and meeting us in our moments of uncertainty. Help us to trust You more deeply and to bring our unbelief before You honestly. Strengthen our faith and free us from all that hinders us from fully following You. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Tags: belief, unbelief, faith, Jesus, healing, Mark 9, spiritual struggle, Christian faith, trust in God, prayer, miracles, discipleship