Mark 9:23 (NIV)

Mark 9:23 (NIV) says:

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

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📖 Context

This happens during the story where a father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus. The disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but failed. The father, desperate, pleads with Jesus, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us” (v.22).

Jesus responds by echoing the father’s words: “ ‘If you can’?”—challenging his doubt. Then He gives this powerful teaching: “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

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✨ Meaning & Teaching

1. Faith unlocks God’s power
Jesus is not saying humans can do literally anything they imagine just by believing. Instead, He’s pointing out that God’s power is limitless, and those who trust in Him will see His possibilities rather than their own limitations.

2. Doubt limits, faith opens
The father came with partial faith (“if you can…”). Jesus highlights that the problem isn’t God’s ability but human unbelief. Faith isn’t about forcing God’s hand but trusting His will and power.

3. Faith as dependence
This verse teaches reliance on God. The father responds beautifully in verse 24: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”—showing that faith is not perfect certainty, but a willing dependence on God, even when struggling with doubt.

4. Faith leads to transformation
Believing in Christ changes the way we see problems—what seems impossible for man becomes possible with God (cf. Luke 18:27).

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✅ In short:
Mark 9:23 teaches that God’s power is unlimited, and those who truly believe and trust in Him can experience His miraculous possibilities. Faith doesn’t mean everything we want will happen, but that nothing is impossible for God when we surrender in trust.