Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, there is a significant account where the disciples of Jesus were unable to expel a demon, highlighting both the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of faith and prayer in overcoming demonic forces. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in Matthew 17:14-21, Mark 9:14-29, and Luke 9:37-43.Biblical Account The incident occurs shortly after the Transfiguration of Jesus. As Jesus, Peter, James, and John descend from the mountain, they encounter a large crowd, including a distressed father whose son is possessed by a demon. The father explains that the demon causes the boy to have seizures, fall into fire and water, and suffer greatly. He had brought his son to Jesus' disciples, but they were unable to cast out the demon. In the Gospel of Mark, the father pleads with Jesus, saying, "If You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us" (Mark 9:22). Jesus responds, "If You can? All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). The father immediately cries out, "I do believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). Jesus then rebukes the unclean spirit, commanding it to leave the boy and never return. The demon departs, and the boy is healed. Disciples' Inability and Jesus' Response After the event, the disciples privately ask Jesus why they could not drive out the demon. Jesus' response is instructive: "Because you have so little faith," He tells them in Matthew 17:20 . He further explains, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). In Mark's account, Jesus adds, "This kind can come out only by prayer" (Mark 9:29), with some manuscripts including "and fasting." Theological Implications This narrative underscores several key theological points. First, it affirms the existence and malevolence of demonic forces, which can cause significant physical and spiritual harm. Second, it highlights the authority of Jesus over demons, demonstrating His divine power and compassion. Third, it emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God in spiritual battles. The disciples' failure is attributed to a lack of faith and prayer, suggesting that spiritual authority is not automatic but requires a deep, trusting relationship with God. Practical Lessons For believers, this account serves as a reminder of the necessity of faith and prayer in confronting spiritual challenges. It encourages Christians to cultivate a life of prayer and dependence on God, recognizing that spiritual victories are achieved not through human strength but through divine power. The call to faith as small as a mustard seed invites believers to trust in God's ability to work through them, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In summary, the episode of the disciples' inability to expel a demon teaches profound lessons about faith, prayer, and the authority of Jesus, offering guidance for believers in their spiritual journey. Nave's Topical Index Mark 9:18,28,29And wherever he takes him, he tears him: and he foams, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away: and I spoke to your disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. Nave's Topical Index Library The Casting Out of Devils. Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory. Jesus, Accordingly, in Turning Away the Minds of his Disciples... Acts of the Holy Apostle Thadd??us, Paul in Ephesus. 2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep But after This, Celsus, Having a Suspicion that the Great Works ... Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ... Preface to the Benedictine Edition. Resources What are doctrines of demons in 1 Timothy 4:1? | GotQuestions.orgAre demons fallen angels? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Angels & Demons (All) | GotQuestions.org Demons: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Demons: Cast out by the Disciples Demons: Disciples Could not Expel Demons: Jesus Falsely Accused of Being Possessed of Demons: Messages Given False Prophets By Demons: Parable of the Man Repossessed by Unclean Spirits Demons: Power Over, Given the Disciples Demons: Sent to Foment Trouble Between Abimelech and the Shechemites Demons: Testify to the Divinity of Jesus Demons: The Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman Demons: The Deaf and Blind Man Demons: The Man in the Synagogue Demons: To be Judged at the General Judgment Demons: Two Men of the Gergesenes (Gadarenes, Gerasenes) Related Terms |