Mark 9:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When he remarked, "since childhood," and expressed, "If you can do anything... help us," the Savior responded, “All things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:20-22), gently correcting him. When the leper declared, "If thou wilt, thou canst cleanse me," affirming His authority, the Lord acknowledged him and validated his statement by replying, “I will, be cleansed” (Lk. 5:12-13). In contrast, when this man made no confession worthy of Christ’s power, merely saying, "If you can do anything... help us," observe how Jesus addresses his misunderstanding. He states, “If thou canst believe any thing, all things are possible to him that believeth.” This indicates that His power is so great that He can also empower others to perform miracles.

Metaphorically, the adversary immerses individuals in the flames of wrath and desire, as well as in the chaotic currents of earthly concerns.

Can you perceive the depth of this man's lack of faith? By expressing, “If thou canst,” he clearly demonstrated his doubt about Christ's ability to heal.

The frail and uncertain faith demonstrated by the father of the boy tormented by demons is reflected in his plea to the Lord for assistance, as he simultaneously expressed his doubt: "If you can do anything, help me." This internal conflict is evident in his recognition of his own disbelief as he exclaimed, "I believe; help my unbelief" (Mark 9:22-24).

In response, he stated that he was a young one and elaborated on the perils associated with these episodes. He then implored with heartfelt words, saying, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us, assist us."

Jesus approached the one in pain and inquired of his father, "How long has this been affecting him?" The father responded to this question and implored Jesus to show compassion and assist them, yet by stating, "If you can do anything," he displayed his lack of faith in Jesus' miraculous capabilities.

After reprimanding the disciples for their lack of faith, which contributed to the situation, the Savior instructed that the ailing boy be brought before Him. As soon as the boy approached, he was struck by another bout of his affliction, collapsing on the ground in agonizing convulsions and foaming at the mouth. This was a particularly severe manifestation of demonic influence, and even while in the presence of the Savior, the father struggled to overcome his doubts regarding the possibility of healing.

The boy, influenced by the unclean spirit, repeatedly cast himself into both fire and water, risking his life until others intervened to save him. When he said, "If you can do anything," it revealed the father's wavering faith in the Lord Jesus' ability to help (as noted by Theophilus and Chrysostom). This lack of belief likely existed when he implored the disciples to expel the spirit, and this same doubt may have contributed to the disciples' inability to assist him. Consequently, the father's feeble faith was exacerbated by their failure. Therefore, the Lord emphasizes that the first requirement is faith.