On May 3 (after some baptisms!!), the sermon is going to be a look at Mark 9:14-29. And I find the story of what happens when Jesus returns from the mountain with Peter, James, and John, very interesting. 

This is partly because I think there are some questions about the story that are difficult to nail down. 

• How large of a crowd was there watching the argument that was going on? I don't think it was 4000 or 5000 like with the feedings of the crowds earlier in Mark. 
• What exactly was the argument about between the Teachers of the Law and the disciples? It obviously had something to do with the man's son being possessed by an evil spirit, but what is the argument about? Maybe the Teachers of the Law don't think these "laymen" should be trying to cast out evil spirits. What gives them authority to do so? 
• When Jesus says, "You unbelieving generation," who is He thinking of? The Teachers? The disciples? The crowd? The man? All of them? 
• How does, "I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!" speak to a need in all of the parties involved? 
• What is the basic problem here with the disciples, who have before cast out evil spirits, but cannot do anything in the current situation (see Mark 6:7-13)?