Word@Work 092 - Mark 8:11-13
Published: Mon, 03/31/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:11-13 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. (NIV)
Astonishing! After another miraculous feeding, religious leaders demanded a miraculous sign to prove who He was! What sort of sign did they want? Healings, exorcisms, banquets from nowhere? Jesus had all ready done all of these, and far morel But that is the problem with blindness - it cannot see ... even if the evidence is right under its nose. And spiritual blindness is rarely short of objective evidence.
Jesus refuses to play games. He knows that rejection of truth, hardens the heart. He had come to those who would welcome Him; and it was very important that the embryo leaders of the early church should learn that God does not play games, and that time for Gospel opportunity was short. Indeed, Jesus had already told them (see Mark 6:11) to move on and avoid getting bogged down by the hard hearted.
Although indifference is common today, it is not difficult to find some who are willing to ask questions. What should concern us is: what they do with the answers! It is tempting to stay with a small circle of friends - even if they all reject the truth or want to play games with us. But, why not look out for those who are starting to be hungry for Jesus? You will find them when you speak positively about your wonderful Saviour ... see their interest and listen for their responses ... and then find another opportunity to continue the conversation!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to distinguish those who are hungry for You, from those (with hardened hearts) who just want to play with ideas about You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Astonishing! After another miraculous feeding, religious leaders demanded a miraculous sign to prove who He was! What sort of sign did they want? Healings, exorcisms, banquets from nowhere? Jesus had all ready done all of these, and far morel But that is the problem with blindness - it cannot see ... even if the evidence is right under its nose. And spiritual blindness is rarely short of objective evidence.
Jesus refuses to play games. He knows that rejection of truth, hardens the heart. He had come to those who would welcome Him; and it was very important that the embryo leaders of the early church should learn that God does not play games, and that time for Gospel opportunity was short. Indeed, Jesus had already told them (see Mark 6:11) to move on and avoid getting bogged down by the hard hearted.
Although indifference is common today, it is not difficult to find some who are willing to ask questions. What should concern us is: what they do with the answers! It is tempting to stay with a small circle of friends - even if they all reject the truth or want to play games with us. But, why not look out for those who are starting to be hungry for Jesus? You will find them when you speak positively about your wonderful Saviour ... see their interest and listen for their responses ... and then find another opportunity to continue the conversation!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Help me to distinguish those who are hungry for You, from those (with hardened hearts) who just want to play with ideas about You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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