Seeking for a Sign. Mark 8:11-13.
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given this generation.”And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
Dear People of the New Covenant,
Jesus has another encounter with the Pharisees. The Pharisees are the face of opposition to the person and ministry of Jesus.
Demand (v. 11). Jesus had already performed a lot of miracles by this time, some of which the Pharisees were witnesses to. But now they ask for a “sign from heaven to test him.” The main problem is not the desire to see a sign but the reason behind the demand. The Pharisees are hoping that Jesus will be unable to flash a sign across the sky so that they have reason to reject him. In fact, the miracles of Jesus so far are signs enough. Remember, unbelief is a choice. No amount of evidence can sway it.
Denial (v. 12). Jesus visibly and audibly expresses his frustration with the Pharisees. His question is a rhetorical one and he answers it himself, that he will not give them a sign. Jesus is not the circus magician, to entertain the whims of bored crowds, nor is he desperate for followers. When people choose not to believe, Jesus chooses not to waste his efforts on them.
Departure (v. 13). As we saw earlier, Jesus was on a whirlwind tour of the whole region around Galilee. He leaves for another destination, but his departure is also symbolic of the abandonment of the Pharisees to their unbelief. When people are desperate to believe, Jesus goes out of his way to help them, as he did Syrophoenician woman (7:25-30). If they choose unbelief, Jesus will go to others who are more open to his ministry. May none of us be caught in the trap of unbelief.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.