Story 33
Casting out the Demon
Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43a
The Bridge: Another day Jesus had been on a mountain with some of His disciples. As they came down, they saw a large crowd gathered around the other disciples who had not gone up on the mountain. Jesus walked up to the crowd and asked what they were discussing when He was confronted by a very concerned father.
The Story:
- The man cried out to Jesus, “My son is demon-possessed and we don’t know what to do with him. He has been like this from his childhood. I brought him to Your disciples and they could not heal him – please help him!” (Matthew 17:16; Mark 9:18; Luke 9:40).
- The boy could not hear nor talk; he often fell to the ground convulsing, gritting his teeth, foaming at the mouth, and becoming rigid (Mark 9:17-20). His father said, “It has often thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!” (Mark 9:22).
- “And Jesus said to him, “’If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief”” (Mark 9:23-24).
- Jesus commanded the demon to come out of the boy and he was restored to good health. Everyone was amazed and many were astonished at the majesty of God (Luke 9:43).
What does this story tell you about Jesus?
