In a heartfelt sermon delivered on Father’s Day, Pastor Léveillé draws from Mark 9:14-29 to share a powerful story of a father’s desperate faith. This passage recounts a man bringing his demon-possessed son to Jesus, revealing lessons about trust, perseverance, and the transformative grace of Christ. Through the lens of this father’s journey, we see how God uses hardships to grow our faith and draw us closer to Him. Below, we explore three key aspects of this story: the father’s imperfection, his action, and his supplication, offering encouragement for parents and believers navigating their own trials.
Imperfection: The Dad’s Imperfection (Mark 9:22)
The father in Mark 9 is an ordinary man, unnamed and unremarkable, yet deeply relatable. His son suffers from a tormenting spirit, and in verse 22, he pleads with Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” This hesitant “if” reveals his imperfect faith, a moment of doubt in the presence of the Savior. Yet, this imperfection is what makes him so human. Like many of us, he wants to believe fully but struggles under the weight of his circumstances.
Pastor Léveillé reminds us that this father’s flaws do not disqualify him. Despite his shaky faith, he does not hide his doubts but lays them before Jesus. This honesty is a model for us. As parents, we may feel inadequate, overwhelmed by challenges we cannot fix. Yet, God does not demand perfection. He invites us to come as we are, trusting that He can work through our weaknesses. The father’s imperfection points us to a perfect Savior who meets us where we are.
Action: The Dad’s Action (Mark 9:17)
In verse 17, the father takes a bold step: he brings his son to Jesus’ disciples, seeking help. When they fail to cast out the demon, he persists, approaching Jesus Himself. This action, born of desperation, is the defining moment of the story. The father could have given up after countless failed attempts to find help, but he chooses to act, bringing his son to the one who can truly heal.
This act of courage challenges us as parents. Our children face battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, that we cannot fight for them. Yet, our role is to lead them to Jesus. Pastor Léveillé emphasizes that no amount of worldly provision, wealth, or education can replace the eternal value of pointing our children to Christ. The father’s action teaches us that faith is not passive; it requires us to move toward Jesus, even when hope feels faint.
Supplication: The Dad’s Supplication (Mark 9:24)
In one of the most poignant moments of the passage, the father cries out in verse 24, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” This heartfelt supplication shifts the focus from his son’s healing to his own faith. He recognizes that the true issue is not just the demon but his lack of trust in Jesus’ power. With tears, he asks for help to believe more deeply, surrendering his doubts to Christ.
This cry resonates with every believer who has faced uncertainty. Pastor Léveillé highlights that God allows trials in our lives to grow our faith, not to destroy us. The father’s supplication teaches us to pray not only for solutions but for stronger trust in God’s plan. As parents, our greatest gift to our children is a faith that endures, modeling reliance on Jesus through every hardship. This father leaves with a healed son and a transformed heart, a legacy of faith for his family.
Conclusion
The story of the father in Mark 9:14-29 is a testament to the power of trusting Jesus, even in our imperfection. His journey from doubt to action to supplication reminds us that God uses our trials to draw us closer to Him. For parents, this passage is a call to lead our children to Christ, trusting that He is sufficient for every need. Whether facing insurmountable challenges or everyday struggles, let us echo the father’s cry: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” In doing so, we find hope, healing, and a faith that transforms generations.
If you are unsure of your relationship with God or need guidance, seek a trusted believer or pastor to explore what it means to become a child of God through faith in Jesus. May we all grow in trust, taking our families to the feet of the Saviour.
