Mat 17:14-21 | PNT | STEP | When they were come to the multitude . Come down out of the mountain. Compare . Luke says this miracle occurred the next day ( ).

Matthew 17:14-21

When they were come to the multitude. Come down out of the mountain. Compare Mr 9:14-29 Lu 9:37-42. Luke says this miracle occurred the next day (Lu 9:37). My son; for he is lunatic. "Epileptic", in the Revised Version. The symptoms are those of epilepsy, in this case caused by demoniac possession. The son was a child (Lu 9:38). He was dumb as well as epileptic (Mr 9:18). Thy disciples. The nine apostles who had been left below when the Lord with three ascended the mountain. O faithless and perverse generation. Intended especially for the disciples who had failed in the cure from weakness of faith.

How long shall I suffer you? Bear with your shortcomings.

Bring him hither to me. The emphasis is upon "me". This act of mercy could have been done by his disciples had they been devout, prayerful and believing. The devil . . . departed out of him. Compare Mr 9:26 Lu 9:42. Why could not we cast him out? The answer is, Lack of faith. This mountain. Lofty Hermon, in plain sight.

Nothing shall be impossible unto you. Upon the condition of perfect faith. Compare Heb 11:1-40. Faith in Christ, faith exercised in fasting and prayer, are the conditions of power. This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. Compare Mr 9:29. Only by devout waiting before the Lord for strength. Such strength is always needful to the victories of faith. Often, too, we have demons, envy, pride, covetousness, a revengeful spirit, that must be cast out by prayer.