THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:10-13
“Why does this generation ask for a sign?” (Mark 8:12)
Jesus’ many miracles did not convince the religious leaders.
Because their minds were closed, no signs or reasons will help.
Jesus’ proof is not in His miracles, nor in His appeal to science.
There is a foolishness, a weakness, to Jesus’ method and message.
Paul dealt with this same issue when he was preaching.
“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)
If Jesus were a worldly leader, He would have fed our need for proof and power.
But God’s wisdom comes in humility, grace, patience, love, self-denial, compassion.
These are not impressive to the world, but they are God’s kingdom strength.
Jesus’ sacrificial death is all the proof He needs to show He is not of this world.
Jesus’ refusal to play politics or power games is more than proof enough that He is not like us.
Jesus did perform miracles, and He did speak with wisdom, but He could not penetrate closed minds.
Still today, those who want God to perform for them before they believe will likely be disappointed.
“Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” (Mark 8:12)
His life and love are sign enough, are wisdom enough, for those whose minds are open.
As they say, some things need to be believed to be seen!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me see that Your life and Your love are the greatest signs of all – so unlike any life and love we find in this world. Help me to believe that I may see!