Father and Son

The next day, Jesus, Peter, James, and John completed their descent of the mountain, and they reached the other disciples, who had been waiting for them. A large crowd was gathered around the disciples, and scribes were arguing with them. But when the people saw Jesus, they were filled with awe and ran to greet Him.

Jesus addressed His disciples: “What are you disputing with them?” He asked.

A man in the crowd came forward and knelt before Jesus, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, for He is my only child. He has a spirit that makes him mute. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. I brought him to Your disciples and I begged them to drive it out, but they were unable.” 

“O unbelieving and perverse generation!” Jesus replied. “How long must I remain with you? How long must I put up with you?” Then Jesus turned to the man. “Bring your son here to Me.” 

So they brought the boy and seeing Jesus, the spirit immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. 

Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been with him?” 

“From childhood,” he said. “It often throws him into the fire or into the water, trying to kill him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 

“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” 

Immediately the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” 

And then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He said, “I command you to come out and never enter him again.” And after shrieking and convulsing the boy violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. Then Jesus gave the boy back to his father. And the people were all astonished at the greatness of God. 

See Matthew17:14-18; Mark 9:14-27; Luke 9:37-43a

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