1. The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 20: Healing the Demoniac Boy Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43

2. Background to the Miracle Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:28-37  Jesus had been transfigured before Peter, James and John on a mountain (2 Pet. 1:16-18)  Returning the next day, they come upon the other apostles in a dispute with the scribes in the presence of a multitude; Jesus asks them what they are discussing. (Mark 9:14-16) Mount Hermon

3. The Explanation of the Father Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43  The father approaches Jesus and kneels before Him. He was a parent like Jairus, the Nobleman & the Syro-Pheonician  His only child is an epileptic or lunatic who suffers severely. He has a mute spirit which seizes him, throws him down; it causes him to become rigid, gnash his teeth & foam at the mouth.  He had asked Jesus’ disciples to cast out the demon, but they could not.

4. Jesus’ Response  “O faithless generation...” (Matthew 17:17; Mark 9:19)  “Bring him to me.” Immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.  “How long has he been like this?” From childhood Often thrown into fire and water

5. The father renews his plea (Mark 9:22-27)  The father said, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us”  Jesus responded, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  The father cried out with tears, “Lord I believe, help my unbelief.”  Jesus healed the boy with a word and lifted him up.

6. Lessons for the Disciples (Matthew 17:19-21)  They were unable to cast out this demon because of their unbelief.  They needed faith as a mustard seed.  Casting out this kind required prayer & fasting.

7. Key Lessons from the Healing of the Demoniac Boy  The devil is cruel.  Be honest with the Lord concerning your struggle between faith and doubt; pray about it.  All things are possible to him who believes – have faith as a mustard seed. (Matt.17:20) The issue is not Jesus’ ability, but our faith -- not if Jesus can do anything, but if we can believe!  Some things can only be done with extra effort This situation called for fasting & prayer (Ezra 8:23; Neh. 1:4; Psalm 35:13; Acts 13:2; 14:23)  This miracle caused people to be “amazed at the majesty of God.” (Luke 9:43)