Tension filled the air. Jesus and his disciples were making their way through one of the villages along the Sea of Galilee. As they did some religious leaders, with the goal of ruining him before the crowds, were begging Jesus for a sign. Consider the account, as told by Mark in 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 to this generation.” And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
There are a handful of observations worth bringing forward, and then three simple points of application. Let’s begin with the observations.
Requesting a Sign
By begging for a sign the Pharisees are wanting proof of Jesus’ legitimacy. Keeping in mind they have seen one miracle after another performed in front of them for some time, it is not merely miracles that they are looking for. Their goal is to receive something that more firmly establishes Jesus as God’s authentic emissary, or to confirm their own belief Jesus is a fraud. The thing beyond the miracle itself might be some word from Heaven, or some demonstration of such magnitude so as to eliminate further doubt.
That their goal was “to test him” reminds us their motives were dubious. They thought Jesus would fail. If he performed something bringing awe (say, another miracle), they would continue their mantra he was in cahoots with Satan. If he failed to perform anything they would declare him to be a fraud worthy of stoning, like the false prophets of old. In their minds they had the perfect trap.
A Sigh for the Ages
Jesus’ sigh is important. This is the only time this particular word is used in the New Testament. It suggests deep pain. Jesus was irritated with the religious leaders because of their duplicity and it created grief for him. Also, Jesus was expressing grief on behalf of the Pharisees—for them. Despite his irritation he loved them and cared for them and wanting something better for them. That they were blind to what was better broke Jesus’ heart.
“This Generation”
Jesus’ reference to “this generation” is a significant feature of the passage. The Pharisees would have understood the import of the phrase, for it evoked the patriarchal and ancient tribal generations of the Israelite people. It was employed by King David in Psalm 95:10. “For forty years I loathed that generation,” says the Lord through David’s pen.
About the generation to which David alluded in that psalm, Exodus 17 offers one piece of their broad story. Exodus 17:7 finds the people crying out, “Is the LORD among us or not?” When Jesus used the word “generation” the Pharisees would have found their minds wandering back to that era, to that question, and to the circumstances of the people doubting God despite all he had revealed when delivering them from Egypt and seeing them through the desert.
In effect, Jesus was declaring that the Pharisees were just like that crowd—hardened folk choosing to be blind to displays of God’s grace; the proofs of his benevolence. Or, to quote King David from Psalm 95:10, “They are a people who go astray in their heart.”
An Interesting Parallel
Relative to all Jesus had been doing, begging for a sign was absurd. There is an interesting parallel to the experiences they have had with him and the experience of the Israelites of old. Both witnessed God setting captives free. For the people of old it was liberation from Egypt, and for the Pharisees it was people being healed from demonization or disease. Both witnessed God giving the people unending an amounts of bread. For the people of old it was the manna found on the ground, and for the Pharisees it was bread given by Jesus to vast crowds on at least two occasions. Sadly, the religions leaders and the ancient Israelites, despite the clear evidences of God’s legitimacy and power, followed these evidences with critical and haughty spirits.
Three Important Demands
How could the religious leaders of Jesus’ day not get that he is special, and the things he does and the person he is serve as an exact representation of the One who delivered the Israelites of old from their slavery in Egypt? The question, “Is the LORD among us or not?” is easily answered, when looking at Jesus. A thoughtful assessment of his life and ministry gives way to a hearty affirmation: Yes, he is indeed! There is no need to be begging for a sign.
Which demands three things of us disciples. First, we must be watchful for the ways in which our Lord works in our midst. Pay attention to the little things. See his fingerprints all over the lives of those around us, as well as our own lives. Secondly, we must be worshipful of him who moves among us so faithfully and lovingly, transforming our lives by one degree and then another. Lastly, we must be witnessing to the world of the great movement of God in our midst. God is among us. His story must be told. After all, he is making all things new!