Scripture:
Luke 9:37-43 (English Standard Version)
Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit
37(A) On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for(B) he is my only child. 39And 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. 40And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but(C) they could not." 41Jesus answered, "O(D) faithless and twisted generation,(E) how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here." 42While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus(F) rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and(G) gave him back to his father. 43And all were astonished at(H) the majesty of God.
Jesus Again Foretells His Death
(I) But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus[a] said(J) to his disciples,
Footnotes:
Luke 9:43 Greek he
Cross references:
Luke 9:37 : For Luke 9:37-42, Matt 17:14-19; Mark 9:14-28
Luke 9:38 : Luke 7:12
Luke 9:40 : Luke 9:1; Luke 10:17; Matt 10:1; Mark 6:7
Luke 9:41 : Phil 2:15; John 20:27
Luke 9:41 : John 14:9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 4:35, 39; Zech 3:2; Matt 8:26; Mark 1:25; Jude 9
Luke 9:42 : Luke 7:15
Luke 9:43 : 2 Pet 1:16
Luke 9:43 : For Luke 9:43-45, Matt 17:22, 23; Mark 9:30-32
Reflection:
What kind of faith does the Lord expect of us, especially when we meet set-backs and trials? Inevitably there are times when each of us disappoint others or disappoint ourselves when we suffer some kind of set-back or failure. In this gospel incident the disciples of Jesus fail to heal an epileptic boy. Jesus' response seems stern; but it is really tempered with love and compassion. We see at once Jesus' dismay with the disciples' lack of faith and his concern to meet the need of this troubled boy and his father. With one word of command Jesus rebukes the evil spirit that has caused this boy's affliction and tells the spirit to "never enter him again". God's works reveal his majesty and power. When we ascribe majesty to someone, we acknowledge greatness in that person, and voice our respect for it. The miracles of Jesus revealed the majesty of God and displayed his grace and favor, especially towards the lowly. When you encounter trials and disappointments do you turn to the Lord with confidence and trust in his mercy?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, help my unbelief! Increase my faith and trust in your saving power. Give me confidence and perseverance, especially in prayer. And help me to bring your healing love and truth to those I meet.
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