Introduction: It seems like when we get desperate in prayer, Jesus is quick to hear and answer according to His will. Are you desperate? In Mark’s gospel, an example of this can be seen. The disciples had been on the mountain of transfiguration with Jesus. Needless to say, it was a mountain top experience. Next, they begin to walk down the mountain only to discover a demon possessed boy; yet they were powerless to cast out the demon. But why? What was missing? How could they accomplish such a task?

The text reveals it – the remedy. 

Have you ever felt helpless? No doubt they wanted to see him set free. 

2. The daddy was desperate! (Mark 9:20-24)

“And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”

Here is a case where a person gets desperate enough to not only seek out help but to get the help needed!

3. The demon was destroying! (Mark 9:17,18)

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”

The devil loves to destroy lives. Jesus has come to give life!

4. Jesus brought deliverance! (Mark 9:25-27)

“When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.”

Demons cannot stand up to Jesus Christ. They must obey! He has all authority!!

Conclusion: Jesus has power over demons.

Finally, Jesus explains, “And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28,29)

While the disciples were defeated, and the daddy was desperate, thru it all, Jesus Christ delivered the demon-possessed boy. He can do the same today.