Grahame Walker

In the beginning of this story there is an argument going on about delivering a boy from an evil spirit. The disciples of Jesus have tried and have failed, and this seems to have ignited the squabble. Jesus had deputised them to cast out demons. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. Mark 3:15. They had some success, 12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Mark 6:12-13. This, it seems, was a far more difficult case. The disciples are found totally inadequate and with a large crowd gathered around, they are now undergoing a bit of public shame and embarrassment. The teachers of the law, the theologians, were no less useless when confronted with this situation.