Question 1

What was happening when Jesus came down and found the crowd around his disciples?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus came back to the other disciples, he walked into a tense scene. A large crowd had gathered, and the scribes were arguing with his disciples. The dispute centered on a boy with a violent unclean spirit. The father had brought his suffering son, hoping the disciples could cast the spirit out, but they had failed. This failure gave the scribes something to attack, and the crowd was caught up in the dispute. Jesus stepped into this confusion, asked what they were arguing about, and quickly took charge of the situation by speaking with the boy’s father.

Question 2

What does Jesus mean by saying, "O faithless generation" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you?" he is grieving over deep unbelief around him. The father doubts if Jesus can help, the disciples have not trusted God enough to act in his power, and the scribes are arguing instead of seeking mercy. Jesus is not cold toward people who are weak and hurting, but he is troubled by hearts that will not trust God, even after seeing his works. His words are both a rebuke and a call, showing how serious unbelief is and how needed real faith is.

Question 3

What does "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" teach about faith and doubt?

Accepted Answer

The father’s cry, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" shows faith and doubt living side by side in the same heart. He does trust Jesus enough to bring his son and to ask for help, but he also fears that maybe nothing can be done. Instead of pretending to have strong faith, he honestly admits his weakness and asks Jesus to help him even with that. This shows that real faith is not always bold and steady. It often comes with struggle. Jesus answers this kind of humble, honest faith, and this prayer becomes a pattern for believers who trust God but still feel their doubts.

Question 4

What does "all things are possible to him that believeth" mean in this story?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth," he shifts the focus from "if you can do anything" to "if you will trust me." The father questioned Jesus’ ability, but Jesus shows that the blockage is not in God’s power. Faith does not mean we control God or get anything we imagine. It means we rely on God’s power and goodness, instead of our own strength, especially in hard situations. In this story, faith means trusting that Jesus is able and willing to free the boy, and that nothing is too hard for him.

Question 5

Why could the disciples not cast out the demon from the boy?

Accepted Answer

Later, in the house, the disciples quietly ask, "Why could not we cast him out?" Jesus answers that this kind "can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." Their failure was not because Jesus’ power had changed, but because they were not living in a deep, dependent way on God. Prayer and fasting picture a life that leans on God, not on habit or past success. Some spiritual battles are fierce and stubborn. In those cases, a shallow approach will not do. Jesus teaches that real authority in such battles flows from a close, prayerful walk with God.

Question 6

What does this passage show about Jesus’ power over evil spirits?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that Jesus has complete authority over evil spirits. The unclean spirit had tormented the boy for years, throwing him into fire and water to destroy him. Even when brought to Jesus, it raged, tearing the boy and leaving him like a corpse. Yet a single firm command from Jesus drives the spirit out and forbids it to ever return. The spirit must obey. Even though its final struggle looks terrible, it cannot resist Jesus’ word. Then Jesus gently takes the boy by the hand and raises him up. This shows both his power over evil and his kindness in restoring what was broken.

Question 7

Why did the unclean spirit seem to rage more when the boy was brought to Jesus?

Accepted Answer

When the boy is brought to Jesus, the spirit immediately throws him into a fit. This may seem strange, but it shows how evil reacts to the nearness of Christ’s power. The closer the boy comes to help, the harder the spirit fights. This does not mean Jesus is losing. It shows that when God moves to free someone, the enemy often rages on the way out. The story can help believers understand that when they draw near to Christ, they may see harder struggles for a time, yet the outcome is not in doubt. In the end, the spirit must leave at Jesus’ command.

Question 8

What does this story teach about prayer and fasting in spiritual battles?

Accepted Answer

Jesus’ words, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting," show that some spiritual problems will not yield to casual faith. Prayer and fasting picture a heart that clings to God, feels its own weakness, and seeks his help with earnest focus. They are not tricks to force a result, but ways of leaning fully on God’s strength. In this story, the disciples had tried to cast out the spirit but lacked this deep dependence. Jesus’ teaching calls his followers to serious prayer, especially when facing stubborn spiritual opposition and long‑standing bondage.

Question 9

How can this passage help someone who feels weak in faith today?

Accepted Answer

This passage welcomes people who feel like the boy’s father, torn between hope and fear. It shows that Jesus does not wait for perfect faith. The father’s faith is small and mixed with doubt, yet Jesus listens to his cry and helps him. A person today can take the same simple prayer on their lips: "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." The story also shows that Jesus is both powerful and compassionate. He sees long‑term suffering, cares about it, and is able to act. Weak faith can still reach a strong Savior, and honest confession of doubt is itself an act of turning to him.

Mark 9:14

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

The Boy with an Evil Spirit

Cross References

Mark 9:14

And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.

Share Options

All Verses

Verse + Context

Current Verse

The Boy with an Evil Spirit

Cross References