Following the transfiguration experience (Luke 9:28-36), Jesus, with Peter, James and John, trekked down the mountain.  The other nine disciples were waiting for them, surrounded by a crowd of people who wanted to see Jesus.  One man had come, in desperation, because his only child was constantly in danger from an evil spirit as the boy would often be seized with convulsions.  In Jesus' absence, the other disciples had failed to deal with the problem; they were powerless.

Confronted by sickness and Satan's hold over this boy, the disciples were unable to do anything.  Yet only a few weeks previously they had been able to heal the sick and cast out demons when Jesus sent them out with His authority (Luke 9:1-2).  Perhaps they thought that they now had the power to do God's work without Jesus.  It is clear from Jesus' rebuke that they did not really believe in Him or their relationship to Him, and they did not pray (Mark 9:29).  They thought they could exorcise the demon on the basis of their past experience.   But they had no authority from Jesus.

Whatever they said to that evil spirit made no difference and the father's patience was running out.  So, what a relief he must have felt to see Jesus coming down the mountain to meet them.  His very presence also revealed the hostility of the demon to Jesus, as the demon threw the child to the ground.  First Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith (Matthew 8:26) and acting without authority.  Then Jesus demonstrated His supremacy over Satan, who had to leave the boy alone when Jesus rebuked the demon, and healed the boy (Mark 9:14-29).  

Today, many people have nowhere else to go with their problems and pain.  So, you would expect people in need to come to the church or to Christians in the workplace - and they do!  But then, what happens?  Our task is to announce that Christ has the power to defeat Satan and all his bad works; and to work with Jesus to apply His grace to all who will submit themselves to Him.  But that work demands faith and prayer, not a formula.  Those who are staying close to Jesus will be able to work with Him under His authority; otherwise, we remain pathetically powerless.