Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 17:14-16

"And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a man, kneeling to him, saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is epileptic, and suffereth grievously; for oft-times he falleth into the fire, and off-times into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him." — Matthew 17:14-16 (ASV)

Down from communion with saints and the confirmation of His claims by the Father’s voice, our Lord comes to give battle to the devil. Our Moses descends from the mount and finds evil exultant in the multitude below.

During His absence, the enemy had triumphed over His feeble followers. In the midst of jeering adversaries, the disciples had tried in vain to cast out an evil spirit from a youth who had been made a lunatic by its horrible possession.

The poor disappointed father appeals to the Lord at once most humbly, states the case clearly, and pleads most fittingly. His epileptic son was a lunatic, severely afflicted with pain, and in grievous peril through sudden falls. The case was a shocking one to have in one’s presence. The cries and contortions that attend epilepsy are frequently terrible to hear and see.

The disciples had evidently done their very best. As they had on other occasions cast out devils, they were surprised to find themselves defeated; but defeated they were, for the despairing father truthfully cried, “I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.” Alas, poor man, you did but speak as all have done since, when they have trusted in disciples and not alone in their Master! It was wise on your part to hasten to Jesus, kneeling down to Him, and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son.”

How often sin drives people to one extreme or the other! “Ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.” Certain people are moonstruck and pained at one time, yet hard and callous at another; for a season raving with excitement, and soon afterwards dead as a stone. When sin reveals itself in connection with wildness of mind, it is hard to deal with.

How often have anxious soul-winners been obliged to confess concerning a certain individual that “they could not cure him”! We have been foiled by a person of a singular temperament, and the passion that possessed him has been peculiarly ungovernable.

Possibly he had no link toward better things but an aged parent, whose pitiful pleadings kept us in deep anxiety for the half-lunatic and altogether depraved young man. Willing as we were to reform and restore the wretched rebel, we were altogether unable to help.

It was necessary in our case that Jesus should come, even as in the narrative before us. Lord, do not leave us, for if apostles could do nothing without You, what poor weaklings we are!