This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Mark 9:17-30, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once there was a man came to Jesus and said, “My son has a problem. He can’t speak because a bad spirit is inside him. When the spirit takes over, my son falls down and shakes, and foam comes out of his mouth. I asked your disciples to help, but they couldn’t.”
Jesus replied, “Oh, you people who don’t have enough faith! How much longer must I be with you and help you? Bring the boy to me.”
The people brought the boy to Jesus. As soon as the bad spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy shake and fall on the ground. He rolled around and foam came out of his mouth.
Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has your son been like this?” The father replied, “Since he was very young. Sometimes the bad spirit tries to hurt him by making him fall into fire or water. Please, if you can help us, have mercy on us and heal him.”
Jesus said to the boy’s father, “If you truly believe, anything is possible.” The father immediately cried out, “I believe, but please help me to believe even more!”
When Jesus saw a big group of people gathering around, he scolded the bad spirit inside the boy. He commanded the spirit, “You silent and deaf spirit. Leave the boy now and never come back again.”
The bad spirit made the boy shake and scream, but then it left him. The boy looked like he was dead, but Jesus took his hand and helped him stand up.
After they went inside the house, Jesus’ friends asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we make the bad spirit go away?” Jesus replied, “This type of bad spirit can only be removed by praying to God.”
Jesus and his friends traveled to many places and helped many people. But Jesus didn’t want everyone to know about him yet.
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus has compassion for those who are suffering.
- Jesus’ power comes from God, and he uses it to do good.
- Jesus teaches us the importance of having faith in God.
- Sometimes we need to ask for help when we’re struggling with our faith.
- Jesus can heal us both physically and spiritually.
Related Stories
Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant
Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Redemption Accomplished and Applied
A concise, biblical study of Christ's atonement and the application of salvation to believers.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
A Puritan classic on learning contentment in God in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon