And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples aren't just confused; they're seeking an explanation for their failure, perhaps even a justification. This question reveals a moment of exposed weakness, a stark contrast to the power they thought they possessed, and highlights their dependence on Jesus for true spiritual authority.
And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus healed a deeply troubled boy that the disciples couldn't cast out a demon from, he took the boy's father and the child inside. Once they were alone in the house, the disciples seized the opportunity to ask Jesus privately why they had failed where he succeeded.
You've been given authority, you've seen it work before, and yet... you fail. What happens when the power you thought you had just doesn't show up?
Imagine the scene: Jesus returns from the Mount of Transfiguration, His face still radiant, only to find His other disciples surrounded by a crowd and the sharp critiques of the scribes. The disciples had clearly been challenged, likely about their inability to heal a boy with a demon.
Once inside, away from the public eye, the disciples bring their struggle directly to Jesus. Their question, 'Why could we not cast it out?' isn't just a quest for information. It's layered with disappointment, perhaps embarrassment, and a touch of complaint. They had been explicitly given authority over demons by Jesus (Luke 9:1), and now, in a crucial moment, they had fallen short. This private moment reveals the vulnerability that follows public failure, and the immediate need to understand why.
This highlights a key aspect of discipleship: it’s not always about constant success. Sometimes, it's in the private moments of failure and questioning that the most profound growth occurs.
Jesus doesn't just brush off their question. He reveals that some spiritual battles require more than just a surface-level command – they demand a deeper reliance on God.
Jesus’ response points to a crucial distinction: not all spiritual opposition is the same. He states, 'This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer' (Mark 9:29).
This 'kind' suggests a specific, potent category of demonic influence that resists ordinary means. It implies that the disciples' failure wasn't due to a lack of a spiritual gift, but perhaps a deficit in their spiritual discipline and connection.
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What does this 'prayer' entail?
This wasn't about the disciples losing their power; it was about needing a deeper power that comes through persistent, faithful prayer.
Understand the original words
ekballō · Greek Verb
The act of forcing a demonic spirit to depart from a person or location by the exercise of divine authority. It demonstrates the supremacy of God's kingdom over the realm of darkness.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or learner of Jesus, specifically one who is called to walk in His ways, adopt His teachings, and participate in His mission. In the Gospels, this term often highlights the struggle to grasp the full nature of Christ's authority and suffering.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus commissions disciples
Jesus grants his twelve closest followers authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal diseases, sending them out to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' ministry gains popularity
Jesus' growing fame and miracles draw large crowds, including his disciples, who are often engaged in teaching and healing.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Failure to cast out a demon
While Jesus is away (likely on the Mount of Transfiguration), his nine disciples are unable to cast a powerful demon out of a boy, leading to public questioning by scribes.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus heals the boy
Jesus, upon returning, rebukes the 'faithless generation' and heals the boy, demonstrating his superior power.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples question Jesus privately
Once in private, the disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to cast out the demon.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus teaches on prayer and faith
Jesus explains that this 'kind' of demon can only be overcome through prayer, implying a deficiency in their faith and spiritual discipline.
This passage directly addresses the disciples' failure to cast out a demon, with Jesus attributing it to their 'little faith,' directly correlating with Mark's account where prayer is the key. It highlights the critical role of faith in spiritual warfare.
Luke 9:40This verse shows the disciples' inability to cast out the demon, echoing Mark 9:28 and emphasizing the repeated struggle and failure experienced by Jesus' followers when attempting to overcome spiritual opposition.
1 John 5:4This verse states that 'everything born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.' This connects the disciples' struggle to a broader theme of faith as the overcoming power against spiritual forces, which they lacked in that moment.
Galatians 5:16Paul writes, 'But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.' This passage illuminates the 'kind' of spiritual struggle Jesus speaks of; it requires reliance on the Spirit, which is nurtured through prayer, not mere human effort.
Philippians 4:6'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.' This verse reinforces Jesus' instruction for the disciples to use prayer, showing it as the means to bring their needs and reliance on God to the forefront, especially in difficult spiritual battles.
expositorsMark 9:14-29: "And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them."
CHAPTER 9:14-29 (Mark 9:14-29)THE DEMONIAC BOY "And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great multitude about them, and scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the multitude, when they saw Him, were greatly amazed, and running to Him saluted Him. And He asked them, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered Him, Master, I brought un…
expositorsMark 9:28-37: "And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?"
CHAPTER 9:28-37 (Mark 9:28-37)JESUS AND THE DISCIPLES "And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, saying, We could not cast it out. And He said unto them, This kind can come out by nothing, save by prayer. And they went forth from thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know it. For He taught His disciples, and said…
The disciples aren't just confused; they're seeking an explanation for their failure, perhaps even a justification. This question reveals a moment of exposed weakness, a stark contrast to the power they thought they possessed, and highlights their dependence on Jesus for true spiritual authority.
After Jesus healed a deeply troubled boy that the disciples couldn't cast out a demon from, he took the boy's father and the child inside. Once they were alone in the house, the disciples seized the opportunity to ask Jesus privately why they had failed where he succeeded.
After Jesus healed a deeply troubled boy that the disciples couldn't cast out a demon from, he took the boy's father and the child inside. Once they were alone in the house, the disciples seized the opportunity to ask Jesus privately why they had failed where he succeeded.
"And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”" — The disciples aren't just confused; they're seeking an explanation for their failure, perhaps even a justification. This question reveals a moment of exposed weakness, a stark contrast to the power t…
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Last reviewed October 2026