Matthew: Healing in His PresenceSample

Jesus Heals a Boy

I love that this plan is called Matthew: Healing In His Presence because we have a beautiful glimpse into a desperate father and how he approaches Jesus for help. I couldn't help but see the humility and honor in this man as he kneeled before Jesus.

Parents struggling with sick children are themselves caught in a great struggle. They would do anything to take the disease, pain or illness from their children, yet sadly they cannot. The father in this story was in a desperate situation. He had a son who was being spiritually and physically tortured by demons.

In this account, we have an insider’s view of just how much the little boy was being tortured. It describes seizures, and attempts to end his life by being thrown into the fire or water. Can you imagine how hopeless the father must have been? This man had already sought the help of the disciples to rid the demon(s), to no avail. His final measure was to seek Jesus.

When he approached Jesus, the man knelt down, dejected and weary and described the torture of the tormenting spirits. But the enemy was about to lose this battle. Jesus rebuked the spirit and healed the man’s son.

When we or a loved one is sick or spiritually tortured, we can learn from the man in this story. Let Jesus be your first stop and not your last. He is your ultimate healer. He is your comforter, your shepherd, your encourager, your strength and your protector. He holds your life in His hands and will walk with you in any storm you face.

Let this story be of encouragement to any of you reading that have a child who is sick, whether physical or mental. There is hope! Don't stop praying! Keep humbly seeking God for that healing. Never give up!

Questions:

1. What stands out to you about the father’s posture and attitude when approaching Jesus?

2. When you face desperate situations, is Jesus your first stop or your last? Why?

3. How can this story encourage you to persist in prayer for someone you love?