Matthew 17:14-15
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When the man "came up to him and, kneeling before him," he wasn't just showing respect; he was performing a profound act of supplication, seeking mercy like those in ancient times who clasped someone's knees to implore their favor. This gesture highlights the desperate earnestness of his plea for his son, a stark contrast to the crowds that had gathered.
And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Peter, James, and John witnessed His glorious transfiguration. Rejoining the other disciples, they find a large crowd gathered, and the remaining disciples are in a heated dispute with some scribes. Into this tense scene, a desperate father approaches Jesus, kneeling with profound urgency to present his deeply troubled son.
Imagine the scene: Jesus descends from a mountaintop encounter with God, and below, a restless crowd awaits. What does their waiting reveal?
The crowds gathered below the Mount of Transfiguration weren't just passively present; they were actively seeking Jesus. Their persistence, even while Jesus was away, highlights a deep spiritual hunger.
A man rushes forward, not just speaking, but acting out his desperation. What does this physical posture convey?
The man's action of "kneeling down to him" is more than just a polite greeting; it's a profound expression of his inner state.
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Understand the original words
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title of respect, 'sir' or 'master,' often used by those acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah or one possessing divine authority and power to heal.
eleeō · Greek Verb
An expression of compassionate favor. It refers to God's withholding of deserved judgment and the granting of undeserved blessing, especially in response to human frailty or need.
The failure of the disciples to heal the boy immediately after the glorious Transfiguration and in the presence of a questioning crowd, coupled with the father's desperate plea, underscores the ongoing tension between divine power and human faith in Jesus' ministry.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus commissions the Twelve
Jesus gives his twelve disciples authority to cast out demons and heal diseases, sending them out to preach the kingdom of God.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' ministry attracts large crowds
Jesus' teaching and miracles draw significant crowds of followers and onlookers, creating a context of popular expectation and engagement.
Early 1st century AD
Transfiguration event
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, appearing with Moses and Elijah, demonstrating his divine glory.
The day following the Transfiguration— this verse
Disciples fail to heal a boy
Upon descending the mountain, Jesus finds his other disciples unable to cast a demon out of a boy, leading to a confrontation with scribes and a questioning crowd.
The day following the Transfiguration
Jesus heals a demon-possessed boy
Jesus rebukes the unbelief of the crowd and disciples before powerfully casting out the demon and healing the boy, highlighting the importance of faith.
This passage directly precedes the healing of the same afflicted boy, describing the scene after Jesus descends from the mount and is met by a crowd and arguing scribes.
Luke 9:37Luke's account places this event on the day following the Transfiguration, highlighting the contrast between the glory on the mountain and the needs of the people below.
Matthew 15:22This verse shows another Canaanite woman coming to Jesus with a similar plea, 'Lord, have mercy on me,' and kneeling before Him, demonstrating a pattern of desperate faith.
John 11:32When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at his feet, also kneeling in supplication, mirroring the posture of humble desperation and intense need shown by the man in Matthew 17.
clarkeMatthew 17:14: "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,"
When they were come to the multitude - It appears that a congregation had been collected during our Lord's stay on the mount: how great must have been the desire of these people to hear the words of Christ! The assembly is self-collected, and no delay on the preacher's side discourages them - they continue to wait for him. In the present day how rare is this zeal! How fe…
barnesMatthew 17:14: "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,"
And when they were come to the multitude - This took place on the day following the transfiguration, Luke 9:37 . This multitude was probably composed of persons who had attended on his ministry, many of whom were his real disciples. With them, as Mark Mar 9:15 informs us, were "scribes questioning with them." That is, they were probably professedly making inquiries about…
When the man "came up to him and, kneeling before him," he wasn't just showing respect; he was performing a profound act of supplication, seeking mercy like those in ancient times who clasped someone's knees to implore their favor. This gesture highlights the desperate earnestness of his plea for his son, a stark contrast to the crowds that had gathered.
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Peter, James, and John witnessed His glorious transfiguration. Rejoining the other disciples, they find a large crowd gathered, and the remaining disciples are in a heated dispute with some scribes. Into this tense scene, a desperate father approaches Jesus, kneeling with profound urgency to present his deeply troubled son.
Jesus and his disciples have just descended from a mountaintop where Peter, James, and John witnessed His glorious transfiguration. Rejoining the other disciples, they find a large crowd gathered, and the remaining disciples are in a heated dispute with some scribes. Into this tense scene, a desperate father approaches Jesus, kneeling with profound urgency to present his deeply troubled son.
"And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water." — When the man "came up to him and, kneeling before him," he wasn't just showing respect; he was performing a profound act of supplication, seeking mercy like those in ancient times who clasped someone…
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Last reviewed October 2026
