The Boy with Epilepsy (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note
Exam code: 8062
14 When they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and some scribes arguing with them. 15 When the whole crowd saw him, they were immediately overcome with awe, and they ran forward to greet him. 16 He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought you my son; he has a spirit that makes him unable to speak; 18 and whenever it seizes him, it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.” 19 He answered them, “You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” 20 And they brought the boy to him. When the spirit saw him, immediately it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21 Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 25 When Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You spirit that keep this boy from speaking and hearing, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!” 26 After crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he was able to stand. 28 When he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 He said to them, “This kind can come out only through prayer.” (Mark 9:14–29)
Jesus and the boy with epilepsy
A man’s son was possessed by a demon or an evil spirit, which was affecting him physically
With the benefit of modern scientific knowledge, most people today think that the boy was not “possessed” but had epilepsy
Jesus’s disciples had evidently tried and failed to heal the boy
Jesus spoke sternly to the people, calling them a “faithless generation”
This could have been aimed at the disciples, who had failed to heal the boy
It could also have meant the father, who had not shown enough faith for the miracle to be possible
Jesus told the boy’s father that his son could be cured if he showed faith
The father replied, “I believe; help my unbelief”
This was an admission that he had faith but needed help to overcome his “unbelief” or moments of doubt
Jesus then healed the boy by casting out the evil spirit
When the disciples were alone with Jesus, they asked him why their efforts to heal the boy had been unsuccessful
Jesus replied that prayer was an essential part of the healing
Miracles and prayer
Prayer played an important part in this miracle
Prayer, or communication with God, was important to Jews and was an essential part of Jewish tradition
Prayer was also essential to Jesus, and Mark describes several occasions when Jesus prayed
The most notable time was just before Jesus’s arrest and trial, when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane
The link between prayer and miraculous healings is still believed to happen today
Many Christian Churches have “healing services” to pray for the sick
There is a tradition of “laying on of hands” to bring healing to those who are sick. This is often thought to bring spiritual blessings rather than an expectation of physical healing
Several Christian pilgrimage sites and places of worship are linked with the healing of sickness. For example, Lourdes in France
Worked Example
What did the boy’s father say to Jesus before his son was healed?
A. “I believe; help my unbelief”
B. “Your disciples have already healed him”
C. “The Pharisees will not allow this”
D. “Only the priest can declare him clean”
Answer:
A. “I believe; help my unbelief”
The father admitted he had some faith but also doubt, and he asked Jesus to strengthen his belief.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Throughout this section, ensure you can not only relate the encounters that Jesus had with those who were disregarded by society but also explain why they were important and how they set an example for Christians today.
Practise answering this 4-mark question:
Explain two ways the miracle of the healing of the boy with epilepsy teaches Christians about prayer. [4 marks]
One way is that it shows prayer is necessary for spiritual strength. Jesus told the disciples that this kind of spirit could only come out through prayer, so Christians learn that prayer is essential in facing difficulties.
Another way is that it shows that prayer can strengthen faith. The boy’s father admitted, “I believe; help my unbelief,” and Jesus answered his request. This teaches Christians that prayer can help people overcome doubts and increase their trust in God.
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