Biblical References:
The account of the healing of a demon-possessed boy is found in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-43.

Context and Setting:
This miracle occurs shortly after the Transfiguration of Jesus, where He revealed His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on a high mountain. Upon descending, Jesus and the three disciples encounter a large crowd, including the remaining disciples, scribes, and a distressed father seeking help for his afflicted son.

Narrative Summary:
In the Gospel of Mark, the most detailed account is provided. A man from the crowd approaches Jesus, pleading for the healing of his son, who is possessed by a spirit that renders him mute and causes violent seizures. The father explains that he had brought the boy to Jesus' disciples, but they were unable to cast out the demon.

Jesus responds with a lament over the unbelieving generation and asks for the boy to be brought to Him. As the boy approaches, the spirit convulses him violently. The father, in desperation, cries out, "If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus replies, "If You can? All things are possible to him who believes." The father immediately exclaims, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:22-24).

Jesus then rebukes the unclean spirit, commanding it to come out and never enter the boy again. The spirit departs with a final convulsion, leaving the boy motionless, prompting some to think he is dead. However, Jesus takes the boy by the hand and lifts him up, fully restored.

Theological Significance:
This miracle underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the authority of Jesus over demonic forces, affirming His divine power and sovereignty. The inability of the disciples to cast out the demon serves as a lesson on the necessity of faith and reliance on God’s power rather than human ability.

Secondly, the interaction between Jesus and the boy’s father emphasizes the importance of faith. The father's plea, "I do believe; help my unbelief," reflects the struggle between faith and doubt that many believers experience. Jesus' response demonstrates that even imperfect faith, when directed towards Him, can result in divine intervention.

Thirdly, Jesus' subsequent private instruction to His disciples reveals the importance of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare. In Mark 9:29, Jesus explains, "This kind can come out only by prayer," indicating that certain spiritual battles require deeper spiritual discipline and dependence on God.

Practical Application:
The healing of the demon-possessed boy encourages believers to bring their struggles and doubts to Jesus, trusting in His power and compassion. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of faith, prayer, and spiritual discipline in overcoming challenges and engaging in spiritual warfare. This account also calls Christians to recognize the reality of spiritual forces and the authority of Christ over them, urging a life of faith that seeks His intervention in all circumstances.