Mark 8:11-23 11The Pharisees went out and began to debate with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven for the purpose of testing him. 12And after sighing deeply in his spirit, he said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13And after he left them, he again got into the boat and went to the other side.
From the high point of a miracle of creation, the scene shifts to the low point of rejection. Apparently, the Pharisees had not witnessed the feeding miracle, though some Pharisees had seen some of the miracles recorded in 2:1-3:6. The Pharisees came to test Jesus to see if he fit their preconceived ideas of messiahship. The participle used here (peirazontes) has a strong purpose sense to it and explains why the Pharisees took the effort to chase down Jesus in a desolate place. They were looking for proof beyond a doubt in Jesus’ messiahship. It would not have been difficult to see such a miracle if they came in faith, but they had their minds already made up. In the Gospel accounts, the Pharisees represent people who have hardened their hearts and refuse to accept the clear evidence right in front of them.
Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and was disappointed. We have to imagine how he gave his response in verse 12. There is a hint of exasperation, disappointment, frustration, sadness, and disapproval. The Pharisees were representative of this generation, referring to others like them who refused to believe in Jesus. His response to them is sad: he left them. Those who refuse to believe may be left behind. We cannot let Jesus pass us by and not respond to his invitation. For those with the eyes of faith, the signs are everywhere. For those who doubt, everything seems hidden and ordinary (4:11-12). People look for an earthly kingdom, but Jesus comes with an even greater spiritual kingdom that can transform earthly kingdoms and bring eternal life to people.
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