Show Don't Tell: Mark 9:14-29

Instead of saying "Jesus healed a demon-possessed boy after the disciples failed," feel the father's desperation. Coming down from the mountain, they find a large crowd around the other disciples, arguing with teachers of the law. A man from the crowd explains: "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they could not." Jesus's response: "You unbelieving generation, how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me." When the spirit sees Jesus, it immediately throws the boy into a convulsion. He falls to the ground, rolling around, foaming at the mouth. "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaims: "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Jesus rebukes the impure spirit: "You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again." The spirit shrieks, throws the boy into severe convulsions, and comes out. The boy looks so much like a corpse that many say he's dead. But Jesus takes him by the hand and lifts him to his feet—and he stands up. Later, privately: "Why couldn't we drive it out?" "This kind can come out only by prayer."