New International Reader's Version

Matthew 17:7-20-21 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

7. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."

8. When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9. They came down the mountain. On the way down, Jesus told them what to do. "Don't tell anyone what you have seen," he said. "Wait until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

10. The disciples asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah has to come first?"

11. Jesus replied, "That's right. Elijah is supposed to come and make all things new again.

12. But I tell you, Elijah has already come. People didn't recognize him. They have done to him everything they wanted to do. In the same way, they are going to make the Son of Man suffer."

13. Then the disciples understood that Jesus was talking to them about John the Baptist.

14. When they came near the crowd, a man approached Jesus. He got on his knees in front of him.

15. "Lord," he said, "have mercy on my son. He shakes wildly and suffers a great deal. He often falls into the fire or into the water.

16. I brought him to your disciples. But they couldn't heal him."

17. "You unbelieving and evil people!" Jesus replied. "How long do I have to stay with you? How long do I have to put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."

18. Jesus ordered the demon to leave the boy, and it came out of him. He was healed at that very moment.

19. Then the disciples came to Jesus in private. They asked, "Why couldn't we drive out the demon?"

20-21. He replied, "Because your faith is much too small. What I'm about to tell you is true. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, it is enough. You can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there.' And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."