On the surface, this reading looks just like another healing miracle. But, the context suggests that this story is an image of a much larger event.
It follows the story of the Transfiguration.
The way the Transfiguration story is laid out (Jesus’s face gleaming white face, the use of the word “exodus” and the two prophets) brings to mind the story of Moses ascending Mt. Sinai to receive the Law.
In the Transfiguration, we see the fulfillment of that Exodus story.
But, we know that the original Exodus story ended in disaster.
God’s people went astray worshiping a golden calf and ended up wandering in the desert for 40 years. And, when they finally entered the Promised Land, that too ended in disaster—they were exiled to Assyria and Babylon.
With this context, we can understand today’s healing as a metaphor for the healing of all God’s people. The son in the story represents Israel, God’s broken people.
By the cross, we, along with Israel, are restored to our Father just as the son was restored to his father in today’s reading.
And, for that, God is glorified.
The Reading
And the next day, as they came down from the mountain, it happened that a great crowd met him. And look: A man shouted out from the crowd, saying, “Teacher, I beg you to look upon my son, because he is my one and only child, And look, a spirit takes hold of him and suddenly cries out and throws him about frothing and, bruising him, scarcely leaves him. And I implored your disciples that they might exorcize it, and they were unable.” And in reply Jesus said, “O faithless and perverse generation, for how long shall I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.” But, while he was still approaching, the demon tore at him and convulsed him violently; but Jesus rebuked the impure spirit and healed the boy and restored him to his father. And all were utterly astonished at the greatness of God. (Luke 9:37-43)