Mark 9:28

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

Mark 9:28 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 9:28

And when he was come into the house
Perhaps into the man's house whose child he had healed, or into some other in these parts, for the sake both of retirement and refreshment:

his disciples asked him privately, why could not we cast him out?
The nine disciples, who were particularly concerned in this matter, fearing they had lost the power of casting out devils, conferred upon them, inquired of Jesus, when he was alone, why they could not cast the demon out of the child, when they had ejected unclean spirits out of many others; (See Gill on Matthew 17:19).

Mark 9:28 In-Context

26 Then the spirit, crying out and rending him sore, came out; and he remained as one dead, insomuch that many said that he was dead.

27 But Jesus, taking him by the hand, straightened him up; and he arose.

28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?

29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

30 And having left there, they walked together through Galilee; and he did not wish that anyone should know of it.