Biblical Reference:
The account of the healing of a boy with a demon is found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-43. This event occurs shortly after the Transfiguration of Jesus, highlighting His divine authority and power over the spiritual realm.

Context and Setting:
Following the Transfiguration, Jesus, along with Peter, James, and John, descends from the mountain to find a large crowd gathered around the remaining disciples. A man approaches Jesus, pleading for the healing of his son, who is possessed by a demon. The boy's condition is severe, causing him to suffer seizures and endangering his life by throwing him into fire and water.

Narrative Details:
In Matthew 17:14-16 , the father implores Jesus, saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and is suffering terribly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him." This highlights the disciples' inability to cast out the demon, which becomes a teaching moment for Jesus.

In Mark 9:21-24 , Jesus engages the father in a conversation, asking, "How long has this been happening to him?" The father replies, "From childhood. It has often thrown him into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus responds, "If You can? Everything is possible to him who believes." The father immediately cries out, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" This exchange underscores the importance of faith in the healing process.

Jesus' Authority and Power:
Jesus rebukes the demon, demonstrating His supreme authority over evil spirits. In Mark 9:25 , Jesus commands, "You deaf and mute spirit, I command you to come out and never enter him again." The spirit shrieks, convulses the boy violently, and departs, leaving the boy seemingly lifeless. Jesus then takes the boy by the hand and lifts him to his feet, fully restored.

Teaching on Faith and Prayer:
The disciples privately inquire why they could not drive out the demon. In Matthew 17:20 , Jesus explains, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Mark 9:29 adds, "This kind can come out only by prayer," emphasizing the necessity of spiritual preparedness and reliance on God.

Theological Significance:
This miracle illustrates the power of Jesus over demonic forces and the necessity of faith in His divine authority. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the importance of prayer and faith in overcoming such challenges. The father's plea, "I do believe; help my unbelief," resonates with many believers who struggle with doubt yet seek to trust in Christ's power and compassion.

Related Themes and Concepts:
· Faith and Doubt: The father's mixed expression of belief and doubt is a common human experience, highlighting the need for divine assistance in strengthening faith.
· Spiritual Warfare: The account underscores the reality of demonic influence and the authority of Jesus over evil.
· Discipleship and Growth: The disciples' inability to cast out the demon serves as a lesson in the necessity of faith, prayer, and spiritual maturity in ministry.

Cross-References:
· Authority of Jesus: Matthew 28:18, Mark 1:27, Luke 4:36
· Faith and Miracles: Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:22-24, Luke 17:6
· Prayer and Spiritual Power: Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:17