Mark 8:11-13

Passage

The Pharisees come and ask for a sign from Jesus so that they could test Him.  Jesus sighed deeply and addressed the Pharisees.  He asked them why this generation seeks a sign from Him.  Then Jesus tells them that no sign will be given to them.  Jesus then left, got into the boat, and crossed once more over the Sea of Galilee.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The Pharisees come to Jesus and ask for a sign so that He could prove that He was who He said He was.  Again we see an example of people coming to God on their terms.  They don’t come with hearts and arms open to God.  Instead, they come with arms crossed and minds closed.  They come with the attitude that if God is going to do something He has to do it according to their own agenda.  They come opposed to being open to faith.

Why do human beings take this posture with God?  Have you ever taken this posture with God?  What does this line of thinking have to do with humbleness before God?

Second Thought:

Jesus sighs.  The word that is used here is etymologically related to the word used earlier when dealing with the crowd and the deaf man in chapter 7.  However, this word is actually more intense because it gives the connotation about sighing about (or over) the people who have come against Him.  Whereas earlier Jesus is sighing because of the world’s perspective, now Jesus is deeply concerned about the individual conflict with Him.  Out of His sigh, Jesus tells them that there would be no sign.  But here’s the thing.  The people of that generation wouldn’t need a sign.  They had the Messiah!  They will have the crucifixion, the burial, and the resurrection.  What do they need of a sign?  In the end, it simply comes down to faith.  Does one come to God demanding proof or does one come to God willing to believe in hope?

Does it make sense that these people wouldn’t need a sign because Jesus was going to do it all before their very eyes?  Why don’t we need a sign any more?  Do you genuinely believe in faith or do you ask God to prove Himself?

Third Thought:

Jesus gets into a boat and leaves.  I’ve said before that we NEVER see Jesus chase people down and make them listen.  Here, we see that Jesus actually leaves the presence of those who would oppose him.  Jesus’ time is too valuable to be wasted on anything that has no hope of productive spiritual growth.  There is no fruit to be had in the conflict with the Pharisees so He leaves.

How much time do we waste today pursuing people who will not respond?  How many of our efforts are spent making a defense to people who will not listen?  How much more could we do if we found those who would listen and spoke truth into their lives?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 8:14-16