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  EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON LUKE - LUKE 9:37-45
  by J.C. Ryle
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CONTENT
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THE HEALING OF A BOY WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT

The event described in these verses took place immediately after the
transfiguration. The Lord Jesus, we should remark, did not tarry long on
the Mount of Olives. His communion with Moses and Elijah was very short.
He soon returned to His accustomed work of doing good to a sin-stricken
world. In His life on earth, to receive honor and have visions of glory
was the exception. To minister to others, to heal all who were oppressed
by the devil, to do acts of mercy to sinners, was the rule. Happy are
those Christians who have learned of Jesus to live for others more than
for themselves, and who understand that it is "more blessed to give than
to receive." (Acts 20:35.)

We have first, in these verses, an example of what a parent should do
when he is troubled about his children. We are told of a man in severe
distress about his only son. This son was possessed by an evil spirit,
and grievously tormented by him, both in body and soul. In his distress
the father makes application to our Lord Jesus Christ for relief.
"Master," he says, "I beseech You, look upon my son--for he is my only
child."

There are many Christian fathers and mothers at this day who are just as
miserable about their children as the man of whom we are reading. The
son who was once the "desire of their eyes," and in whom their lives
were bound up, turns out a spendthrift, a profligate, and a companion of
sinners. The daughter who was once the flower of the family, and of whom
they said, "This girl shall be the comfort of our old age," becomes
self-willed, worldly minded, and a lover of pleasure more than a lover
of God. Their hearts are well near broken. The iron seems to enter into
their souls. The devil appears to triumph over them, and rob them of
their choicest jewels. They are ready to cry, "I shall go to the grave
sorrowing. What good shall my life do to me?"

Now what should a father or mother do in a case like this? They should
do as the man before us did. They should go to Jesus in prayer, and cry
to Him about their child. They should spread before that merciful Savior
the tale of their sorrows, and entreat Him to help them. Great is the
power of prayer and intercession! The child of many prayers shall seldom
be cast away. God\

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/jc-ryle/expository-thoughts-on-luke-luke-937-45/
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