21. Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?”The man answered, “Ever since he was a child.
22. The demon has often tried to kill him by throwing him into a fire or into water. Please have pity and help us if you can!”
23. Jesus replied, “Why do you say ‘if you can’? Anything is possible for someone who has faith!”
24. Straight away the boy's father shouted, “I do have faith! Please help me to have even more.”
25. When Jesus saw that a crowd was gathering fast, he spoke sternly to the evil spirit that had kept the boy from speaking or hearing. He said, “I order you to come out of the boy! Don't ever bother him again.”
26. The spirit screamed and made the boy shake all over. Then it went out of him. The boy looked dead, and almost everyone said he was.
27. But Jesus took hold of his hand and helped him stand up.
28. After Jesus and the disciples had gone back home and were alone, they asked him, “Why couldn't we force out that demon?”
29. Jesus answered, “Only prayer can force out that kind of demon.”