17 A man answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking. 18 When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn’t.”

19 Jesus answered, “You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

20 So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been happening?”

The father answered, “Since he was very young. 22 The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.”

23 Jesus said to the father, “You said, ‘If you can!’ All things are possible for the one who believes.”

24 Immediately the father cried out, “I do believe! Help me to believe more!”