No Sign will Be Given

Mark 8:11-13 (ESV) The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. [12] 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." [13] And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side. “Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Jesus flat out refuses, or so it seems, to give the Pharisees a sign. He refers to them as “this generation.” And I’m left thinking somehow this generation must separate the Pharisees from the rest of that generation, since it seems he had offered many signs to many other people during this time. But I think that is just it. Just as Jesus wouldn’t put God to the test for Satan by jumping from the temple, neither will he let the Pharisees put him to the test to fulfill their sinful desires. To the pious, to the oppressed etc. He performs many signs. But these same signs that so clearly show he is the messiah, the Christ, are ones that antagonize the Pharisees who refuse to believe. This happens often enough today. There are people out there who will come up with any and every excuse they can to avoid belief in God. There are times when apologetics work. There are other times when one is just wasting air, and that is all with their efforts. Of course, sharing the gospel is never a waste of time. God will do wha he will do in his own good time, with what ever seed is planted. I’m just saying there are those who will not believe, and it doesn’t much matter what you do for them. One could take a hint from Jesus, get in a boat and head for the other side. Eventually though, he always comes back. Sometimes giving a little time for something to sink in is perfectly fine. Trying to force the issue, never helps.