38
and a man from the crowd called out, "Rabbi, I beg you to pity my son, for he is my only child.
39
At times a spirit seizes him and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him, and makes him foam at the mouth, and does not leave him till it has well-nigh covered him with bruises.
40
I entreated your disciples to expel the spirit, but they could not."
41
"O unbelieving and perverse generation!" replied Jesus; "how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here to me."
42
Now while the youth was coming, the spirit dashed him to the ground and cruelly convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, and cured the youth and gave him back to his father.
43
And all were awe-struck at the mighty power of God. And while every one was expressing wonder at all that He was doing, He said to his disciples,
44
"As for you, store these my sayings in your memory; for, before long, the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men."
45
But they did not understand His meaning: it was veiled from them that they might not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
46
Now there arose a dispute among them, which of them was to be the greatest.
47
And Jesus, knowing the reasoning that was in their hearts, took a young child and made him stand by His side
48
and said to them, "Whoever for my sake receives this little child, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives Him who sent me. For the lowliest among you all--he is the greatest."