When is a time that you really wish you could have assisted someone in distress but did not have the means or ability to do so?
If you were the father of this young boy, what emotions would be dominating your thoughts as you bring him to Jesus?
Describe the presenting symptoms of this spiritual malady.
In verse 19 Jesus is obviously annoyed. What is it about the disciples’ inability to help this boy that so deeply frustrates him?
Why does he heal the boy even though he is annoyed at the situation?
What does it tell us about spiritual reality that being in Jesus’ presence triggers another episode?
Imagine you are part of this boy’s family. What impact would his spiritual sickness be having on you?
What is the goal or purpose of this spirit in the life of this boy?
What is a spiritual issue in your life that is making life difficult on those around you?
Jesus corrects the father’s misguided understanding of his abilities in verse 23. Meditate on Jesus’ answer to the father for 5 minutes.
Why does Jesus consider it important enough to delay his work of power to make sure this guy understands?
What does the father’s response to Jesus reveal about his spiritual state and openness?
What might explain the father’s weakened level of faith in this text?
When is a time in your spiritual walk that you have had the desire to trust Jesus but have had difficulty doing so?
Spend some time praying the father’s request to Jesus concerning your own areas of unbelief.
What can we do to effectively help those who are facing spiritual bondage?
What does it mean to “rebuke” a spirit, and why does Jesus do that in this situation?
Describe Jesus’ method of exorcism with this boy.
What are spiritual difficulties that tend to be frustratingly reoccurring in your life?
How can we get victory over those kinds of spiritual strongholds?
Why do the disciples wait until later to ask Jesus about their failure?
What can we surmise about spiritual struggle from Jesus’ answer to them?
Why is prayer so pivotal in gaining spiritual freedom?
How did the disciples end up “praying” in this passage?
How prepared are you through prayer for the spiritual challenges you face in serving others?
What can you do this week to more seriously and intentionally improve your prayer life?
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