Mark__8

Scripture

Mark‬ ‭8:11‬ ‭

“When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Jesus had just finished feeding 4,000 men with only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. Immediately after that, Jesus and his disciples went on a boat, and crossed over to the region of Dalmanutha. There he was met by Pharisees who argued with Jesus and demanded that Jesus show them a miraculous sign to prove His authority. This troubled Jesus’ spirit. Why were these people always demanding a miraculous sign? So Jesus told them that he would not give their generation any such sign. Jesus then got back into the boat and left them to cross to the other side of the lake.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

Some people say they must see to believe. But for a Christ Follower, you should believe, then you will see.

 

The Pharisees were jealous and had hardened hearts towards Jesus. They were constantly challenging Jesus and his authority and just waiting for the chance for Jesus to slip so they could pounce on him. They were too busy following religious traditions, waiting for their Messiah, when the actual Messiah was right underneath their noses all this time. Keep in mind that before arriving at Dalmanutha that day, Jesus had already been performing many miracles everywhere he went. He fed the thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread (twice). He healed the lame and blind. He even casted out demons. Yet this wasn’t enough for the Pharisees. They wanted to see more! Let’s face it, no matter what miracle Jesus performed or how many more He performed wouldn’t change these Pharisees minds. Their hearts were hardened, and they wanted to bring Jesus down. The Pharisees were unwilling to take that step of faith and believe in Jesus and what He taught, therefore they did not see.

 

“Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”” John‬ ‭20:29‬ ‭

 

Life Application

 

Take that leap of faith. See what God can do!

 

Don’t get caught up waiting to see the next miracle before you decide to believe. You may miss out. Instead, I encourage you to take that next step. Trust in Jesus. Trust in His Word. See what God can do!

 

Father God, I pray for people who are struggling with their faith, struggling to believe. I pray for You to soften their hearts. I pray for their courage to believe. Whether it’s some financial hardship, health issue, relationship issue, family worries, or just a straight up faith issue. God, I pray that they would lift up all their concerns and worries up to You. May they put complete trust in You. May You reveal Yourself to them. Open their hearts and their eyes so that they may see all You have in store for them when they follow You. May you bless them with Your peace, comfort, and strength Lord. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi