What does "if You can" reveal about the father's understanding of Jesus' power?

Setting the Scene: A Desperate Father

• Mark 9:22 tells of a tormented boy: “It has often thrown him into the fire or water to kill him.”

• The father, exhausted and fearful, turns to Jesus: “But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22)

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Hearing the Father’s Words: “If You Can”

• The phrase “if You can” surfaces raw uncertainty.

• His request mixes hope with doubt; he acknowledges Jesus’ compassion but wavers on His capability.

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What Those Words Reveal

• Limited grasp of Jesus’ authority

– Unlike the centurion who said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8), this father is unsure Jesus’ word is enough.

• Faith under pressure

– Long-term suffering has eroded confidence. Years of disappointment make “if” feel safer than “You will.”

• Partial belief seeking completion

– He believes enough to ask, yet not enough to drop conditions.

• A view of Jesus still shaped by human limits

– He addresses Christ almost as one of many options, not the omnipotent Son of God (cf. Colossians 1:16-17).

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Jesus’ Response: Reframing Ability and Faith

“‘If You can?’ echoed Jesus. ‘All things are possible to him who believes!’” (Mark 9:23)

• Jesus zeros in on the father’s phrasing, turning the question back to belief, not divine capacity.

• Power is not the issue; faith is the conduit (cf. Hebrews 11:6).

• The father’s honest cry “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) shows faith can coexist with weakness—yet Jesus still acts.

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Growing from This Moment: Lessons for Today

• Replace “if” with “since.” Scripture affirms Jesus can: “For He spoke, and it came to be” (Psalm 33:9).

• Bring honest doubts, but let them drive us toward deeper trust, not guarded requests.

• Remember that Christ’s power is never in question; our response of faith is.