LUKE 9:37–43a
THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH A DEMON
Text – Luke 9:37–43a
37 On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him.
38 And a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you, look at my son; he is my only child.”
39 “For a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams and it throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth. It scarcely leaves him and is destroying him.”
40 “I begged your disciples to cast it out but they could not.”
41 Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.”
42 As he was coming forward, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and returned him to his father.
43 And all were astonished by the majesty of God.
Historical and Jewish Context
Coming down from the mountain of glory, Jesus immediately encounters human suffering and demonic oppression. The boy’s condition reflects descriptions of severe seizures in ancient Jewish contexts, often attributed to evil spirits. The father’s plea carries deep emotional weight—“my only child”—a phrase loaded with pathos in Jewish familial culture. The disciples’ inability to heal highlights the spiritual struggle in the world and their need for deeper faith and prayer. Crowds regularly gathered around miracle-workers, but Jesus distinguishes Himself through divine authority.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage contrasts the glory of the Transfiguration with the brokenness of the world Jesus came to save. The episode reveals Jesus’ compassion, divine authority, and mastery over demonic forces. His rebuke of the “faithless generation” calls disciples to deeper trust and dependence on God. The healing anticipates the Church’s ministry of liberation and healing, exercised sacramentally and pastorally. Returning the healed boy to his father expresses restoration of family life—a sign of God’s salvific action.
Parallels in Scripture
Mk 9:14–29 – A fuller account emphasizing the role of prayer in driving out demons.
Mt 17:14–20 – Jesus teaches about faith as small as a mustard seed.
Lk 7:12–15 – Jesus restores another only child to a parent.
Lk 11:20 – Driving out demons reveals the arrival of God’s Kingdom.
Wis 11:24–26 – God restores creation out of love for all He has made.
Key Terms
Only child – Symbol of familial hope, highlighting the intensity of suffering.
Rebuked – A divine command that demons cannot resist.
Faithless generation – A call to deeper trust in God’s power.
Majesty of God – The manifestation of divine glory in Jesus’ saving work.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday liturgies to highlight Christ’s authority over evil and His compassion for the afflicted. It supports catechesis on spiritual warfare, the need for prayer and faith, and the Church’s ministry of healing through the sacraments. It also reflects how divine glory is revealed not only on the mountaintop but in the midst of suffering.
Conclusion
Jesus descends from the mountain of Transfiguration into the valley of human need. His healing of the possessed boy reveals divine majesty expressed through mercy. Faith, prayer, and trust in Jesus remain essential for overcoming spiritual struggles.
Reflection
Where do I experience spiritual battles in my life or family? Jesus invites me to bring every fear, weakness, and struggle to Him. His authority brings healing, and His compassion restores hope. The glory revealed on the mountain now shines in His mercy toward the suffering.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, heal the wounded parts of my life and strengthen my faith. Drive away every darkness that disturbs my peace, and fill me with confidence in Your power and love. May Your majesty be revealed in my daily life through trust and fidelity. Amen.