14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. |
15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. |
16 "What are you arguing with them about?" he asked. |
17 A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. |
18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not." |
19 "O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." |
20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. |
21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" |
22 "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." |
23 " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." |
24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" |
25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil1 9:25 Greek unclean spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." |
26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead." |
27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. |
28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" |
29 He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.2 9:29 Some manuscripts prayer and fasting " |
