Matthew 17:14-20 Jesus Heals a Boy with a Demon

A man kneels before Jesus pleading for his epileptic son who often falls in water and fire because the disciples were not able to heal him. Jesus is disappointed with the disciples and asks the man to bring the child to him. Jesus rebuked the demon and when it came out, the boy was healed. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by loss of consciousness and convulsions due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The boy was demonized making his condition even worse and the Lord heals him by exorcizing the demon.

It is important that we understand that there are physiological issues that could be caused by spiritual oppression, even possession. But we should not tag every epilepsy or mental illness with demon possession. Mental illness is tabu in the Church to this day and it shouldn't be. It is my conviction that physical illnesses that weaken the mind create an open door for the enemy to come in and wreak havoc. But a Christian, even with a mental illness, cannot be demon possessed if his/her faith is in Christ and his soul is sealed with the Holy Spirit.

The obvious question from the disciples is: Why couldn't we do it? Jesus' answer is because of your little faith. It is important to distinguish between saving faith and faith to work miracles. It is possible to have one and not the other. I can trust Christ for the salvation of my soul and have a hard time believing that I can be used to pray for someone's healing. Faith of this kind is a gift of the Spirit. Moving a mountain is a common Jewish metaphor for the impossible. Faith is not going to move a mountain, but it will accomplish many impossible things. Christ says that just a little faith (like the grain of a mustard seed) can go a long way.

I find myself battling prejudice against mental illness sufferers. At times, I think everything is  caused by a demon. I have to be wise and ask for discernment to know how to minister to those who suffer it. Ultimately, it comes down to my faith - not the saving kind, but the kind needed to believe that the Lord is compassionate upon those who suffer and can heal them. I must confess that a mustard seed is a mountain next to my faith. 

Lord, help my unbelief. Fill me with your Holy Spirit to be able to discern how to minister to people suffering of mental illness. Grow my faith through your word to believe that you can heal the worst of cases. I need you; without you I can do nothing.