Jesus heals an epileptic boy: Matthew 17:14-21
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
Jesus didn’t seem to be around that day. I missed him, but someone said that he was on his way. In the meantime, things got rather difficult. A man came to us asking us to cure his epileptic son. The boy had narrowly escaped death by falling into a fire, and on another occasion, falling into a pit full of water. We had performed miracles before in the name of Jesus, but that was when he had told us to do so. Would we be able to cure people on our own? I doubted it. But I was willing to give it a try. But my attempt didn’t work, much to the delight of those nasty Pharisees who are always looking for an opportunity to put us down. We were embarrassed, the crowd was restless, our critics were delighted, and the boy’s father was heart -broken.
I heard some people behind me and I recognised Jesus’ voice. ‘What’s going on here?’ he asked. The boy’s father answered. ‘I was hoping that you would cure my son. I asked your friends, but they couldn’t do it. Oh, please help me! I know you have power from God himself.’ ‘Oh, what little faith you people have! How long do I have to be with you before you can trust God’s power? Bring the boy to me.’ The crowd was quiet now, and made room for the man and his son. The boy stood there, open-mouthed and speechless, but his father took him by the hand and brought him to Jesus. Immediately the boy straightened up, and began jumping up and down in his excitement. The man tearfully thanked Jesus and turned around quickly, heading for home.
When we were alone, we asked Jesus why we had not been able to cure the boy. ‘Yu haven’t got enough faith. Faith can move mountains, but you have to trust that God can work miracles through you.’
Many years later, when Jesus was no longer physically with us, I remembered his words and was able to do great things in his name.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I believe that Jesus has power to heal and save us?
· Do I believe that God can work through me for the good of others?
· What happens to me when I fail in what I am doing?
· Do I challenge my negative thinking?
· How do I react when people make fun of me or belittle me?