Mark 9:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The existence of a cry does not contradict the silence of the demon; rather, speech signifies comprehensible expression, while a cry is simply a sound devoid of meaning. Therefore, the demon is allowed to agitate this man to the point of apparent death, revealing the fullness of his malevolence.

Christ instructed the mute and deaf spirit to leave the boy and not to return. The boy screamed out, and after experiencing a severe convulsion, he appeared lifeless, yet Jesus raised him up, and he stood once more. The spectators were astonished at the magnificence of God, who had accomplished such a wonder. When commanding the unclean spirit to depart from the boy, the Lord referred to it as a mute and deaf spirit. He then explained to the apostles that this type of spirit can only be expelled through prayer and fasting. What do the terms 'mute and deaf spirit' (Mk. 9:25) signify, and why does this particular spirit necessitate additional spiritual efforts for removal? It seems that the Lord labeled the evil spirit as mute and deaf not because it inherently possessed those qualities, but because, under its influence, the boy became mute and deaf.

Yet Christ boldly proclaimed to him that "all things are possible to him that believeth;" and when the distressed father, eager to dispel all uncertainty within himself, cried out: "I believe, Lord, help my unbelief," the Savior swiftly strengthened his faith by healing his son. Addressing the afflicted boy, He commandingly declared: "deaf and dumb spirit! I command you, come out of him, and do not enter him again." A more forceful cry erupted, and the tormented child convulsed in even more horrific writhing; then, collapsing to the ground, he lay still and lifeless as though he had died. Some in the crowd suggested he was indeed dead. However, Christ took him by the hand, and amidst the astonished applause of those present, restored him to his father, rejuvenated and at peace.