20. So they brought him. As soon as the spirit saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a fit. He fell to the ground. He rolled around and foamed at the mouth.
21. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "Since he was a child," he answered.
22. "The spirit has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us. Please help us."
23. " 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for the one who believes."
24. Right away the boy's father cried out, "I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!"
25. Jesus saw that a crowd was running over to see what was happening. Then he ordered the evil spirit to leave the boy. "You spirit that makes him unable to hear and speak!" he said. "I command you, come out of him. Never enter him again."
26. The spirit screamed. It shook the boy wildly. Then it came out of him. The boy looked so lifeless that many people said, "He's dead."
27. But Jesus took him by the hand. He lifted the boy to his feet, and the boy stood up.
28. Jesus went indoors. Then his disciples asked him in private, "Why couldn't we drive out the evil spirit?"
29. He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."
30. They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were.