This father was out of options. Maybe he had taken his son to other teachers and they had tried to bring relief. But the refrain he kept hearing was "There is nothing more I can do." The demonic spirit in this boy's body caused chaos in the life of his family.

Hearing that Jesus was in the area, the man brought his son and begged Jesus' disciples to help. Surely they would know how to deal with the partners of Satan, right? But they too came up empty. So the desperate father went straight to Jesus, the only option he had left.

We aren't told why the disciples couldn't help. But it does sound like Jesus was frustrated by this situation. Another account of this story in Mark 9 reveals that Jesus later told his disciples, "This kind [of demon] can come out only by prayer" (Mark 9:29). Thankfully Jesus knew what to do. He "rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father."

In this and so many other episodes, Jesus drove home the point to everyone, including his disciples, that he is the only Savior.

How about you? Is Jesus your only option in times of trouble? How about in times of comfort and peace?

Are you looking for other solutions? Turn to the Savior; he's the only option.