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
âWhat are you arguing with them about?â he asked.
17
A man in the crowd answered, âTeacher, 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.â
19
âYou unbelieving generation,â Jesus replied, âhow long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.â
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 boyâs father, âHow long has he been like this?ââFrom childhood,â he answered.
22
âIt has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.â
23
â âIf you canâ?â said Jesus. âEverything is possible for one who believes.â
24
Immediately the boyâs father exclaimed, âI do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!â
25
When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. âYou deaf and mute spirit,â he said, âI command you, come out of him and never enter him again.â
26
The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, âHeâs dead.â
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, âWhy couldnât we drive it out?â
29
He replied, âThis kind can come out only by prayer.[a]â