2.4 The Spirit Cast Out Of The Boy

Question 1

What happens in the story of the spirit cast out of the boy?

Answer 1

Before: boy foamed at the mouth, having fits
Disciples: try to heal him but fail
Jesus: “I order you to come out of the boy” - performs exorcism
After: the spirit leaves the boy

Question 2

Problems of discipleship in the story of the spirit cast out of the boy

Answer 2

Can be difficult - doubt your ability to carry out God’s work
Prayer is essential - way of communicating with God
—> “only prayer can drive this kind out”
They couldn’t cast the unclean spirit out of the boy because they lacked faith
—> weak in faith as they were given the authority to cast out spirits by Jesus

Question 3

Meaning of the story of the spirit cast out of the boy for Christians today

Answer 3

Spiritual healing is only possible when God shows his authority
- no force so powerful or evil that faith in Jesus cannot defeat it
—> should give Christians hope in the face of difficulties
- some Christians say “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief” to grow in faith and to ask to help them believe in him more
Christians can fail because even Jesus’ closest friends failed

Question 4

Problems the story of the spirit cast out of the boy causes for Christians today

Answer 4

Stories casting out evil spirits has no relevance today
Evil spirits don’t exists - exorcisms not needed
Find it difficult to understand why the disciples were unable to cast out the evil spirit, when Jesus had given them the power to

Question 5

Quote for the spirit cast out of the boy

Answer 5

“Only prayer can drive this kind out”