By Michael C. Mack

1. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.” Do you agree or disagree with that statement? Why?

Read Mark 9:14-29. 

2. With whom do you most identify in this story and why?  

• One of the three in Jesus’ inner circle who just had a mountaintop experience and had a great story to tell

• One of the nine other apostles who were left out and left behind to do all the work on their own

• One of the teachers who have a lot of knowledge about the Bible and can debate it with anyone

• The dad with the sick boy, looking for a miracle

• The sick son, hoping to be healed

• One of the people in the crowd, looking on with wonder and amazement

3. How would you describe the situation the nine disciples were facing while Jesus, Peter, John, and Andrew were on the mountain? (See vv. 2-13.) 

4. Look at verse 19. Why was Jesus so frustrated with the generation of that time? What do you think he would say about your generation? 

5. In what ways do you identify with the dad’s faith in the story?

• I presently have an “if you can” kind of faith. 

• I believe, but I need God’s help in my unbelief. 

• I’ve seen Jesus do the impossible. I believe! 

6. Why do Christians sometimes fail to make prayer their first option in dealing with struggles? 

7. Close in prayer, asking God to help you overcome your unbelief, to grow in your faith in him, and to bring healing as only he can. 

Michael Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).