37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they were come down from the hill, much people met him. 38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. 39 And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. 40 And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. 41 And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. 42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. (Luke 9:37-42 KJV)
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
This passage follows the transfiguration of Christ and his discussion with the disciples. Luke notes it happened the next day as they were coming down from the mountain (Luke 9:37), which supports the idea that the transfiguration took place at night. Though they didn’t build tabernacles as Peter had suggested, they likely found shelter and rested until morning. When they came down, Jesus found disorder among his disciples, though not as severe as what Moses found when descending from Mount Sinai. Even in moments of spiritual retreat, wise and godly people should remain aware of the needs that may await them in their public duties.
The crowd was eager to welcome Jesus back. Though he had been away briefly, many people came to meet him, as had often been the case. This fulfilled the prophecy that people would gather to him.
Among them was a desperate father pleading for help for his only son. “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son,” he said (Luke 9:38). This was a modest but heartfelt request. One compassionate look from Christ was enough to bring healing. His plea—”He is my only child”—made the situation more poignant. Those with many children may find comfort in others, but to lose an only child is especially bitter. Yet this sorrow points us to the Father who gave his only Son for us.
The child’s condition was severe (Luke 9:39). He was possessed by an evil spirit that would seize him suddenly, making him cry out. The spirit would convulse him, causing injury, and left him only with great difficulty. The father’s heart had been pierced many times by his son’s torment. This reminds us how destructive Satan’s influence can be when he gains control. But there is hope for those who bring their troubles to Christ.
The disciples, however, had failed to cast out the demon (Luke 9:40). Though Jesus had given them power over unclean spirits, they had not succeeded. Whether they doubted the power, misunderstood their commission, or lacked sufficient prayer and spiritual preparation, their failure revealed a lack of faith. Jesus rebuked them as a “faithless and perverse generation” (Luke 9:41), a correction likely directed at the disciples themselves for their spiritual weakness.
Jesus then healed the boy (Luke 9:42). As the child approached, the demon violently convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and returned him to his father. Christ can do what others cannot. His word is powerful enough to undo the damage caused by evil. When our children are restored from illness or danger, we should receive them as gifts from Christ—as if receiving them again from the dead. Let us take them thankfully, raise them for him, and not place our hearts on them above him. Parents who see Christ’s hand in their children’s lives can commit them again into his hands with peace and joy.