Mark 9:24
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lord, I believe - The word Lord is omitted by ABCDL, both the Syriac, both the Arabic later Persic, Ethiopic, Gothic, and three copies of the Itala. Griesbach leaves it out. The omission, I think, is proper, because it is evident the man did not know our Lord, and therefore could not be expected to accost him with a title expressive of that authority which he doubted whether he possessed, unless we grant that he used the word κυριε after the Roman custom, for Sir. Help thou mine unbelief - That is, assist me against it. Give me a power to believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe: help thou mine unbelief--that is, "It is useless concealing from Thee, O Thou mysterious, mighty Healer, the unbelief that still struggles in this heart of mine; but that heart bears me witness that I do believe in Thee; and if distrust still remains, I disown it, I wrestle with it, I seek help from Thee against it." Two things are very remarkable here: First, The felt and owned presence of unbelief, which only the strength of the man's faith could have so revealed to his own consciousness. Second, His appeal to Christ for help against his felt unbelief--a feature in the case quite unparalleled, and showing, more than all protestations could have done, the insight he had attained into the existence of a power in Christ more glorious them any he had besought for his poor child. The work was done; and as the commotion and confusion in the crowd was now increasing, Jesus at once, as Lord of spirits, gives the word of command to the dumb and deaf spirit to be gone, never again to return to his victim.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And straightway the father of the child cried out,.... As soon as ever he found it was put upon his faith, and that the issue of things would be according to that, he expressed himself with much vehemency, being in great distress; partly with indignation at his unbelief, and partly through fear of missing a cure, by reason of it: and said with tears; repenting of his unbelief, and grieved at the present weakness of his faith; which he very ingenuously confesses, saying, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief; not forward, but out of the way: he found in himself some small degree of faith in the power of Christ, but it was mixed with much unbelief, through the greatness of the child's disorder; and therefore desires it might be removed from him, and he might be helped against it: he saw it was not in his own power to believe; nor had he strength of himself to oppose his unbelief; but that both faith must be given him, and power against unbelief. The Syriac version renders it, "help", , "the defect of my faith": till up that which is lacking in it, it is very deficient, Lord, increase it; and the Arabic and Ethiopic translate thus, "help the weakness of my faith". He found his faith very weak, he desires it might be strengthened, that he might be strong in faith, and give glory to God; and in this way belief is helped, or men helped against it: every believer, more or less, at one time or another, finds himself in this man's case; and also that it is necessary to make use of the same petition; for faith is but imperfect in this life, and often very weak and defective in its exercise.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:24 In desperation, the father cried out that he believed, though weakly.
Mark 9:24
The Boy with an Evil Spirit
23“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” 24Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Alabama) the Prodigal
By David Wilkerson44K23:27Prodigal SonMAT 6:33MRK 9:24LUK 15:11JHN 3:16ROM 10:9EPH 2:8HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the unconditional love of the Heavenly Father. The preacher acknowledges his own struggles with fully accepting this love, even as a pastor. He encourages the audience to rejoice, let go of their past, and appropriate the blessings and provisions that the Father has for them. The sermon highlights the negative effects of fear, self-pity, and unbelief, and urges listeners to trust in the love of God.
A Call to the Church (Lazarus, Come Forth)
By Art Katz7.9K44:46Spirit of TruthMAT 6:33MRK 9:24JHN 11:33JHN 11:381CO 15:53In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a gathering where many people were going to Afghanistan for missionary work after three months of court and discipleship. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the glory of God rather than relying on human efforts. They mention a moment when the congregation struggled to praise God and instead filled the silence with prophecies and exhortations. The speaker criticizes the preference for sentimental and dramatic displays over the pure and holy word of God. They also mention a powerful moment at a Pentecostal conference where a cry in tongues was interpreted as a message from God, but the congregation failed to seek understanding and translation for the edification of all.
Don't Expect a Perfect Repentance
By Paul Washer3.6K13:19RepentanceMAT 7:7MRK 9:24LUK 18:13ACT 17:30ROM 10:92CO 7:10HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common struggle of individuals who feel unable to be saved, repent, or believe in God. He acknowledges the superficiality of some salvation offerings and the reaction against it. The preacher emphasizes the importance of looking unto Jesus and placing faith in Him, rather than focusing on the quality or greatness of one's own faith. He cautions against demanding too much of oneself or others in terms of repentance and faith, and highlights the ongoing growth and reality of these aspects in a believer's life.
The Crime of Unbelief
By David Wilkerson3.6K31:21EZK 8:6MRK 9:24ROM 14:23HEB 3:12REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had, where he witnessed a horrible crime being committed behind closed doors in God's house. The preacher emphasizes that even though people may clean up their lives and appear to be pure, there may still be a deep-rooted sin of fear and unbelief within them. The preacher highlights that doubting God's power and lacking trust in Him is considered a serious crime in the eyes of God. The preacher concludes that unbelief is the sin of the heart that grieves God the most, and that it is more important to address this sin than any other sin committed on earth.
The Prodigal (Birmingham Conference)
By David Wilkerson2.8K23:27MAT 6:33MRK 9:24LUK 15:11ACT 9:10ROM 8:38EPH 2:18HEB 4:3In this sermon, the preacher shares a heart-to-heart talk about the story of the Prodigal Son from the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of knowing and walking in the love of God, as it is the essence of our faith. The preacher admits that he himself was once a prodigal, even as a pastor, because he struggled with fear, self-pity, and unbelief. He highlights that unbelief is the greatest sin in the eyes of God and urges the audience to trust in the love of the Heavenly Father.
Total Dependence Upon God
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:39HAB 2:4MRK 9:24JHN 15:52CO 12:92CO 13:3PHP 1:91TI 1:191JN 2:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and faith. It discusses the dangers of relying on human wisdom, the significance of discerning spirits, and the power that comes through weakness and reliance on God's strength. The speaker uses biblical examples like Abraham, Paul's thorn in the flesh, and Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate the concept of living by faith and total dependence on God.
The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You - Part 1
By David Wilkerson2.2K40:01PSA 34:4ISA 41:10JER 29:12MAT 11:28MRK 9:24HEB 11:12PE 2:9This sermon emphasizes the theme of deliverance, drawing from the story of Hezekiah and the assurance that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them from all troubles. It highlights the importance of faith, prayer, and trusting in God's promises for deliverance in the midst of trials and battles.
War on Earth - Part 2
By Derek Prince2.1K28:34DEU 18:9PSA 139:23AMO 5:14MAT 12:36MRK 9:24JHN 8:44EPH 6:12JAS 3:161PE 3:6This sermon delves into the topic of demons, distinguishing them from devils and exploring their potential origins as disembodied spirits. It recounts a personal experience of deliverance from various demons, highlighting the desperate craving of demons to occupy human bodies. The sermon also addresses how demons can enter individuals through various means like prenatal exposure, emotional shock, sinful acts, and idle words, emphasizing the importance of repentance and deliverance.
The Year That We Flourish
By Carter Conlon1.9K45:16PSA 133:1MRK 9:241CO 1:31CO 6:181CO 8:91CO 9:141CO 10:121CO 13:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity, faith, purity, forgiveness, and selflessness in the church community. It calls for a commitment to flourishing in God's way, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and living for the benefit of others. The speaker urges the congregation to learn from past mistakes, embrace God's promises, and be faithful in prayer and service.
Eating the Bread of Opposition
By Carter Conlon1.8K43:46NUM 14:5PSA 23:4PSA 84:5JOL 2:28MAT 5:44MRK 9:24JHN 4:31ACT 4:29HEB 9:22This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'eating the bread of opposition,' highlighting how challenges and enemies can actually nurture and strengthen us in our faith journey. It encourages gratitude for opposition as a means to drive us closer to God, ignite prayer, increase boldness, and foster divine compassion. The message underscores the importance of facing opposition with faith and seeing it as an opportunity for God's power and provision to manifest in our lives.
Barriers to Blessing
By Alan Bartley1.7K1:06:43EXO 23:24PSA 66:18HOS 4:6MAT 6:14MRK 9:24EPH 6:11JAS 4:7This sermon addresses the barriers to blessing in the Christian life, focusing on the dangers of occult involvement, the impact of unbelief, the consequences of unconfessed sin, and the importance of forgiveness. It emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment, repentance, and reliance on Jesus for true freedom and healing.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 6
By W.F. Kumuyi1.7K09:072KI 7:1MAT 5:4MRK 9:24LUK 1:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and the need to trust in God's ability to fulfill His word. It warns against discouraging others with unbelief and encourages a heart of faith and surrender to God's sanctification and holiness.
A Remarkable Day for People Without Hope
By Carter Conlon1.6K45:43PSA 139:23ISA 58:6MAT 25:35MRK 9:24LUK 10:25JHN 14:15ACT 10:1EPH 2:11This sermon from Acts chapter 10 focuses on the remarkable day for people without hope, highlighting the story of Cornelius, a devout man who prayed and gave generously to the poor. The message emphasizes the need for believers to step outside of self-focused religion, open their hearts to human need, and be vessels of God's compassion and love to impact those without hope. The call is to love our neighbors as ourselves, reach out to those in need, and trust God to bring about remarkable days of transformation and salvation.
Breaking the Strongholds in Your Family
By Teresa Conlon1.6K1:07:21MRK 8:22MRK 9:24In this sermon titled "Breaking the Strongholds in Your Family," the preacher emphasizes the unity of the gospel message. He highlights the central theme that God sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of humanity, offering new life and cleansing to those who believe in Him. The preacher encourages believers to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and to overcome strongholds in their families. He draws inspiration from the story of Caleb and Joshua in the Bible, emphasizing the need for strength, courage, and faith in claiming the promised land. The sermon also references the story of Jesus healing a blind man in Bethsaida, illustrating the importance of obedience and faith in following Jesus.
(Documentary) Revival Fire South Africa
By Erlo Stegen1.4K43:57PSA 34:3MRK 9:24JHN 14:12ACT 2:1ACT 19:18EPH 6:12This sermon shares the journey of Pastor Erlo Stegen and the mission work at Kwasizabantu, highlighting the darkness of witchcraft, superstition, and tribal wars among the Zulu people. It explores the transformation brought by the Gospel, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, miraculous healings, and the establishment of a hospital without doctors. Testimonies of former witches, communists, and individuals touched by God's power are shared, emphasizing repentance, restitution, and the victory of Christ over darkness.
Yarib: Defender of the People
By Neil Rhodes1.4K48:32ISA 51:7MRK 9:22MRK 9:24In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of fear and passivity in the hearts of believers. He emphasizes that the root problem is the innate fear of being confronted by someone who appears bigger than us. The preacher highlights the power and greatness of God, reminding the listeners that He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. He encourages the audience to trust in God and not fear the reproach or revilings of men. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the joy of the Lord and believe in His miraculous power.
Faith vs. Unbelief
By Neil Rhodes1.3K1:02:13MAT 6:33MRK 9:24JHN 10:10ACT 20:27ACT 27:222CO 5:172CO 6:14In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a man who discovers a treasure in a field. The man sells everything he has in order to buy the field and possess the treasure. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the transformative power of finding Jesus Christ in one's life. He emphasizes the need to lay hold of the treasure of life that Jesus offers and to let go of doubts and unbelief. The preacher also references the biblical passage in Matthew that describes the kingdom of heaven as a valuable treasure worth sacrificing everything for.
Jesus Take the Stones From My Hands
By Carter Conlon1.3K51:59PSA 130:1PSA 139:23ISA 6:5MAT 11:28MRK 9:24MRK 11:22LUK 15:20JHN 14:1ROM 3:23EPH 4:32This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grievances, symbolized by the act of Jesus taking the stones from our hands. It calls for a deep transformation of the heart, moving from judgment to mercy, and representing Christ's love and compassion in our generation. The message highlights the need for unity, kindness, and bridge-building in the church, focusing on the power of forgiveness, faith, and love to rewrite history and bring hope to those who have fallen.
Same-Sex Attraction - Balancing Grace & Truth
By Shane Idleman1.2K1:10:01PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:6ACT 3:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and the truth about embracing God's Word. It highlights the consequences of rejecting God's truth, the need for repentance, and the hope and restoration that come through turning to God. The message addresses the perversion of society, the battle for truth, and the power of repentance for transformation and renewal.
The Cup of Trembling
By David Wilkerson1.2K52:50DEU 28:1PSA 139:23ISA 40:28ISA 51:17MRK 9:24LUK 1:74ACT 2:25ROM 15:13This sermon delves into the concept of the 'cup of trembling' as addressed in Isaiah, focusing on the fears and challenges faced by God's people. It emphasizes the need to trust in God's deliverance from fear and the importance of seeking the Lord's strength and guidance in turbulent times. The message highlights the four mixtures of fear outlined in Isaiah's prophecy, drawing parallels to the fears and uncertainties prevalent in the world today, while encouraging a deep-rooted faith in God's promises and provision.
Preserving God's Standards
By Zac Poonen1.2K57:40PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:15GAL 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to God's standards and not deviating from the path set by Jesus. It warns against compromising with worldly influences and highlights the need for self-judgment, humility, and seeking the Holy Spirit's help to stay on track. The speaker urges individuals to focus on following Jesus, judging themselves, and being willing to take the blame, rather than blaming others. The message stresses the significance of preserving the testimony of Christ in the current generation and encourages a commitment to upholding high standards despite the prevailing backsliding in Christendom.
Beauty for Ashes - Day 3
By Carter Conlon1.1K51:24HaitiZEC 4:6MAT 6:33MRK 1:22MRK 9:24LUK 4:24JHN 9:1JHN 10:10In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man in a synagogue who had been living a religious but hopeless life. However, when he heard Jesus speak, something stirred in his heart and he cried out for Jesus. This man had an unclean spirit, representing the impurity in many people's lives today. Jesus came to give life abundantly and break the power of poverty. The preacher emphasizes the importance of crying out to Jesus and not missing the moment of God's glory. The sermon also discusses two types of people who will not miss the glory: those who recognize their need for a Savior and those who obey Jesus and become a testimony of His glory.
Battling Unbelief at Bethlehem
By John Piper1.0K35:16MAT 6:33MRK 9:24JHN 3:16ROM 4:13HEB 11:6JAS 1:6In this sermon, the preacher lays a foundation for a series called "Battling Unbelief." The main conviction behind this series is that all sin, whether in attitude or behavior, stems from unbelief in the promises of God. The preacher lists various sins such as anxiety, envy, and pride, and explains how they all sprout from the taproot of unbelief. The sermon also references Romans 4:13-25, which emphasizes that the promise to Abraham and his descendants came through faith, not the law. The preacher aims to show how battling unbelief is essential in overcoming sin and living a life of faith.
Finding the Will of God
By Carter Conlon88245:35PSA 139:23DAN 11:32MAL 3:6MAT 6:10MRK 9:24JHN 7:17EPH 6:61TH 4:31TH 5:181PE 2:15This sermon focuses on the importance of finding and walking in the will of God. It emphasizes the distinction between the revealed will of God, which is clear and practical, and the unique will of God, which may be specific to each individual. The speaker encourages the audience to have a heart willing to obey God's revealed will and be open to His unique calling, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone. The message underscores the significance of doing good, speaking truth, and living a life that glorifies God in all aspects.
Christ Wants a Body, Not a Congregation
By Zac Poonen8161:01:42ISA 43:19HAG 1:2MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 14:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, overcoming offense, and having the right attitudes within the body of Christ. It highlights the need to overcome feelings of inferiority or superiority, the significance of fathers and mothers in building strong homes, and how God uses small and seemingly insignificant individuals to accomplish great things for His kingdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Lord, I believe - The word Lord is omitted by ABCDL, both the Syriac, both the Arabic later Persic, Ethiopic, Gothic, and three copies of the Itala. Griesbach leaves it out. The omission, I think, is proper, because it is evident the man did not know our Lord, and therefore could not be expected to accost him with a title expressive of that authority which he doubted whether he possessed, unless we grant that he used the word κυριε after the Roman custom, for Sir. Help thou mine unbelief - That is, assist me against it. Give me a power to believe.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe: help thou mine unbelief--that is, "It is useless concealing from Thee, O Thou mysterious, mighty Healer, the unbelief that still struggles in this heart of mine; but that heart bears me witness that I do believe in Thee; and if distrust still remains, I disown it, I wrestle with it, I seek help from Thee against it." Two things are very remarkable here: First, The felt and owned presence of unbelief, which only the strength of the man's faith could have so revealed to his own consciousness. Second, His appeal to Christ for help against his felt unbelief--a feature in the case quite unparalleled, and showing, more than all protestations could have done, the insight he had attained into the existence of a power in Christ more glorious them any he had besought for his poor child. The work was done; and as the commotion and confusion in the crowd was now increasing, Jesus at once, as Lord of spirits, gives the word of command to the dumb and deaf spirit to be gone, never again to return to his victim.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And straightway the father of the child cried out,.... As soon as ever he found it was put upon his faith, and that the issue of things would be according to that, he expressed himself with much vehemency, being in great distress; partly with indignation at his unbelief, and partly through fear of missing a cure, by reason of it: and said with tears; repenting of his unbelief, and grieved at the present weakness of his faith; which he very ingenuously confesses, saying, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief; not forward, but out of the way: he found in himself some small degree of faith in the power of Christ, but it was mixed with much unbelief, through the greatness of the child's disorder; and therefore desires it might be removed from him, and he might be helped against it: he saw it was not in his own power to believe; nor had he strength of himself to oppose his unbelief; but that both faith must be given him, and power against unbelief. The Syriac version renders it, "help", , "the defect of my faith": till up that which is lacking in it, it is very deficient, Lord, increase it; and the Arabic and Ethiopic translate thus, "help the weakness of my faith". He found his faith very weak, he desires it might be strengthened, that he might be strong in faith, and give glory to God; and in this way belief is helped, or men helped against it: every believer, more or less, at one time or another, finds himself in this man's case; and also that it is necessary to make use of the same petition; for faith is but imperfect in this life, and often very weak and defective in its exercise.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:24 In desperation, the father cried out that he believed, though weakly.