Introduction:
Coming down from the mountain of glory, Jesus encounters a desperate situation. A father pleads for the healing of his only son, tormented by an unclean spirit.
Scripture:
On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astonished at the majesty of God.
Main Points:
Faith in Action:
The disciples’ inability to heal the boy highlights the necessity of faith. Jesus’ rebuke of the faithless generation reminds us that faith is essential for witnessing and participating in God’s miraculous work. Faith is not just about belief but about trust and action. The father’s plea shows desperation and faith in Jesus’ power to heal.
The Power of Jesus:
Jesus demonstrates His divine authority by rebuking the unclean spirit and restoring the boy to his father. This miracle astonishes the crowd and reveals the majesty and compassion of God through Jesus. His command over the unclean spirit shows His supreme authority over all creation, including the spiritual realm.
Astonishment at God’s Majesty:
The crowd’s reaction of astonishment reflects the awe-inspiring nature of Jesus’ miracles. It serves as a reminder that God’s power is beyond human comprehension and always deserves our reverence and awe. The healing is not just a physical restoration but a sign of the in-breaking of God’s kingdom, where evil is defeated, and wholeness is restored.
Conclusion:
Jesus’ healing of the boy with an unclean spirit is a testament to His divine authority and the power of faith. As we face our own challenges, let us place our trust in Jesus, knowing that He has the power to heal and restore us completely.
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Encircle - Baptist Church 