This Kind Can Only Come Out by Prayer
March 21
Mark 9:2–13 records the Transfiguration, where Jesus gave Peter, James, and John a glimpse of the consummation of the Kingdom of God. This story is recorded in all three of the Synoptic Gospels.[1]
But, just prior to the Transfiguration in all of the Synoptics, Jesus tells the three disciples “Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power,” thus explaining what He means in verse one.
Next, someone brings their son to Jesus, complaining that His disciples were unable to cast out a demon that caused epileptic seizures. Jesus assured the parents that everything is possible for those who believe. Actually, the Greek is more specific by saying that “those who believe” are the believing ones. It’s not just those who believe, but those who are actively putting their faith into action. This believing ones terminology is also used in John 3:16, where Jesus promises eternal life to the believing ones. It is only those who are actively believing who will be saved. And, it’s only those who are actively believing who are promised impossible things.
Mark captures one of the most encouraging words requests in the Bible: “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Jesus says that faith/belief is the key that unlocks answered prayer. But sometimes we struggle to put our faith/belief into action. We aren’t sure that we have enough faith. This person, however, says that he/she is actively believing, but confesses a struggle of faith and asks Jesus to help his/her lack of belief. Faith and belief are noun synonyms. ”I believe” is the verb form of those nouns.
When asked why His disciples were unable to deliver the young man, Jesus responds, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer”. Some Bible versions add “and fasting” (e.g., King James Version and New King James Version). I don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty about scholarly textual criticism, but Bible translations are not all based on the same Greek manuscripts. Some manuscripts are older and more reliable than others. These manuscripts do not include and fasting, so it appears those words were probably added by later ascetic scribes.[2] One thing to note is that, during New Testament times, fasting was seen as prayer. But, at the end of the day, the takeaway is that the disciples may have gone into this encounter with the unclean spirit without proper spiritual preparation.
Application
Sometimes in prayer, we pray, believing that God can answer prayer, but we aren’t sure whether God will answer this prayer right now. That indeed is a struggle. So we ask, assuming that God will answer the prayer, knowing that God is the one Who decides when and how He will answer.
God always answers prayer, though not on our terms and our timing. He never promises that we will understand His when and why on this side of glory. We may think that His answers are always “yes” or “no.” Sometimes, though, He answers, “Not now.” Those are the most difficult answers to handle. Those answers encourage us, however, to press in and trust Him even more, knowing that God is good all the time, and His ways and timing are always best. (Isaiah 55:8–9)
[1] The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are called Synoptic because they present similar events, though often in a different order. Each writer provides his perspective under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Though the stories may differ slightly, no contradictions occur, only complementary details.
[2] You may want to check out The Soldier Code: Ancient Warrior Wisdom for Modern-Day Christian Soldiers by Duncan Brannan on Note 39, page 239. Duncan and I disagree a bit on the manuscript reliability of Mark 9:29. However, we totally agree that God’s Word stands true and is completely inspired, authoritative, and without error. Believers can and should be able to agreeably disagree on non-essential things.
© Copyright 2026 Craig Beaman