In this lesson we learn of a father who has a son that has been sick since childhood. He desperate to have him cured and he seek out Jesus. Both audio and slides can be enjoyed together at www.cmcoc.org

1. A Desperate Father
By: Brian Birdow
Sermon text: Mark 9:14-29
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2. Objective of Lesson
To help us to always be honest in our
prayers.
To show the necessity of faith in the
Christian life.
To show a fathers struggle with faith.
To show the purpose of Jesus

3. A seeking Father (17)
He is first looking for Jesus but does not find HIM,
rather he finds His disciples.
(Matt. 7:7-8; 1 John 5:14)
Have we been disappointed like this? Looking for
something in particular and not finding it. Is is not
sometimes frustrating?
Remember Martha and Mary? Lord, if you had
been here my brother would not have died (John
11:21).

4. A Fathers Love (vs. 18)
Since he (the father) can’t fix the ailments of
his son, let me seek someone who can.
I came seeking you and did not find you, but
your disciples. They cannot fix it!
Can you imagine this Dad’s emotions, how
would you respond. Would you be crushed?
Matthew 7:9-12…turn with me please…

5. Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn
from me, for I am gently and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For my yoke is easy and my
burden is light.

6. Faithless Generation (19)
Jesus appears to be frustrated at His
apostles. It seems they should be at a
point in their faith where they can remove
this unclean spirit.
Hebrews 5:12 …turn with me please…
Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you that
your faith may not fail. And when you are
converted, strengthen your brothers.

7. Living with pain and
suffering (20-21)
Can you imagine having to live with this situation for
years?
Notice that the father is not blaming God for his son’s
ailment. Nor has he given up on his son because of
his ailment.
Many women are opting to abort (murder) their fetus
because the doctor told them of birth defects. 6% of
all abortions in the U.S. are said to because of birth
defects.

8. A struggle to believe
(22)
But IF you can do anything, have compassion on
us and help us.
His son is having an episode right in front of him
and Jesus.
Often times our struggle to believe God comes
from our lack of knowing GOD. (Ref. Rom. 5:3-11)
God never promises you and I a life with out
hardship. When we make heaven we will receive
that.

9. Jesus Response (23)
“If you can?” All things are possible for one who
believes.
The problem in not with Jesus, He can do all
things. Often times the problem is with our faith as
is the case with this father. It seems he is doubting
(Ref. James 1:6 & 1 Timothy 2:8)!
Jesus demands faith (Hebrews 11:6) or confidence
in His power to heal the child.

10. The Father’s response
(24)
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and
said with tears, Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief.
I believe he feels the rebuke of Jesus and the state of
his son and he cries out with tears.
He believes, but is asking for more faith, help me with
my doubting.
Unbelief- supply me with faith so my faith will not have
defects. Give me strength to put my entire confidence in
you. (Ephesians 3:6-20)

11. Jesus Purpose
To seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
To give light to those who are in darkness.
(Matthew 4:16, Luke 1:79)
He does not cure of all our physical
ailments, but he does cure us of every
spiritual sin through His shed blood.
(Romans 3:23f & 1 John 1:7)