“Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the water, to destroy him; but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” The failure of the disciples to heal this deplorable case had sadly discouraged the father, and the sufferings of his son now wrung his soul with anguish. The question of Jesus brought to his mind the long years of suffering endured by his son, and his heart sank within him. He feared that what the scribes asserted was true, and that Jesus himself could not overcome so powerful a devil. Jesus perceived his dispirited condition and sought to inspire him with faith. He addressed him thus: “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Hope was immediately kindled in the father’s heart, and he cried, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” {2SP 334.2}

"Fra barndommen af; og den har tit kastet ham både i ild og vand for at tage livet af ham; men hvis du formår noget, så forbarm dig over os og hjælp os!" (21.,22.vers) Faderen var blevet meget nedslået, fordi disciplene ikke kunne hjælpe i dette beklagende tilfælde, og hans søns lidelser smertede ham dybt. Jesu spørgsmål mindede ham om de lidelser, hans søn havde udholdt i så mange år, at han blev meget modløs. Han frygtede for, at de skriftkloge måske havde talt sandhed, og at Jesus ikke kunne overvinde en så mægtig djævel. Jesus lagde mærke til hans nedslåede tilstand og søgte at opmuntre ham til at tro. Han tiltalte ham således: "Hvis du formår! alt er muligt for den, der tror." Håbet tændtes straks (335) i faderens hjerte, og han råbte: "Jeg tror, hjælp min vantro!" (23.,24.vers)