Mark 9:14–28

Jesus Heals a Boy Who Had an Evil Spirit

¹⁴When Jesus and those who were with him came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them. The teachers of the law were arguing with them. ¹⁵When all the people saw Jesus, they were filled with wonder. And they ran to greet him.

¹⁶“What are you arguing with them about?” Jesus asked.

¹⁷A man in the crowd answered. “Teacher,” he said, “I brought you my son. He is controlled by a spirit. Because of this, my son can’t speak anymore. ¹⁸When the spirit takes hold of him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth. He grinds his teeth. And his body becomes stiff. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit. But they couldn’t do it.”

¹⁹“You unbelieving people!” Jesus replied. “How long do I have to stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰So they brought him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit. He fell to the ground. He rolled around and foamed at the mouth.

²¹Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“Since he was a child,” he answered. ²²“The spirit has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us. Please help us.”

²³“ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

²⁴Right away the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!”

²⁵Jesus saw that a crowd was running over to see what was happening. Then he ordered the evil spirit to leave the boy. “You spirit that makes him unable to hear and speak!” he said. “I command you, come out of him. Never enter him again.”

²⁶The spirit screamed. It shook the boy wildly. Then it came out of him. The boy looked so lifeless that many people said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷But Jesus took him by the hand. He lifted the boy to his feet, and the boy stood up.

²⁸Jesus went indoors. Then his disciples asked him in private, “Why couldn’t we drive out the evil spirit?”