Bible Question:

In Mark 9:29 we read, “And He replied to them. This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting. ”? My question is, “Did Jesus fast before He cast out the evil spirit? ”?Can we fast for a thing that is going to happen in the future and then call it down when we need it?

Bible Answer:

Mark 9:18 states the disciples of Jesus could not cast out or expel an evil spirit or demon. So, what did Jesus do? Did Jesus fast before He cast out the evil spirit? The answer is found in Mark 9:28-29.

When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” Mark 9:28-29 (NASB)

We should notice several things. First, Jesus said this kind cannot come out by anything but prayer! Second, we should notice that Jesus had just finished expelling a demon from a boy when the disciples were present. So, the disciples asked Jesus why they could not expel the demon (v. 28).

Jesus Cast Out A Demon

Mark 9:25 tells us that Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and verse 26 says the demon came out. But when Jesus answered the disciples, He did not refer to what He had done. He explained why the disciples could not cast out this unclean spirit. His answer was simple. The disciples and believers today can only cast out demons or unclean spirits by prayer.

While it is true that Matthew 17:21 adds that Jesus included the word fasting, we should quickly note that the verse does not belong in the gospel of Matthew (please read “Why is Matthew 17:21 missing or only a footnote in my Bible?”) Therefore, it is an error to claim that casting out demons must include fasting in addition to prayer.

Since true Christians have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them (1 Corinthians 3:16), can they perform the same miracles and cast out or expel demons such as Jesus did? This is an important and often ignored truth. The answer is no! For Jesus’ disciples could not cast out all the demons just as Jesus did. Since that is true, who are we to think that we can? We are not greater than the apostles. Jesus did not need to fast or pray to cast out demons. Casting out demons by fasting and prayer is not required. We only need to pray to cast out demons. We need to pray in order to cast out some demons, but not Jesus!

So, how should we understand Jesus’ statement in John 14:12?

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12 (NASB)

The answer is found in the fact that Jesus was drawing a contrast between the works that He did and the future works of the disciples. Jesus’ healing ministry was secondary to His primary ministry. His mission was to die for us. He came for that purpose. Healing was secondary. The greater work was His spiritual ministry. The greater works that He referred to was the conversion of souls. Here is a great statement from Harry Ironside,

But He was not speaking of miracles. His chief work was not performing miracles but revealing the Father, bringing knowledge of the Father. It is that of which He was speaking.[1]

Conclusion:

We need to ask God for help to cast out or to expel a demon. Jesus did not need to ask.

 

References:

1. H. A. Ironside. John. Kregel. reprint. 2006. p. 347.

Suggested Links:

Is fasting going without food?
When fasting, how often do you pray?
Expel Some Only By Prayer
Can demons be cast out by prayer or is fasting required too?
What are the signs of demon possession according to the Bible?