- The Pharisees Didn't Get a Sign, and
- The Disciples Didn't Get Two Signs
Let me explain. In the first half of the text (Mark 8:11-13) the Pharisees approach Jesus. As we've learned through past texts, these pious religious leaders weren't coming to encourage Jesus or invite Him over for a friendly cup of coffee. They came with one purpose in mind - to argue. But what did they want to argue about? A sign. They wanted Jesus to give them a sign. But not just any sign. They didn't want to see Him heal a lame man ... because they'd already seen that. They didn't want to see Him cast out a demon ... for they'd seen Him do that too. They didn't want to see a leper healed of leprosy or sight restored to a blind man because they'd seen it all before. They wanted something big and flashy ... to suit their desires and whims and wishes. So did Jesus comply? "And [Jesus] 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.'" So even though those nasty Pharisees wanted a sign, they didn't get one.
But in the second half of the text (Mark 8:14-21), our focus turns from the Pharisees to the disciples. The disciples and Jesus have just gotten in a boat, and it's nearing lunch time. But, what do you know, our crazy disciples have forgotten to bring food! Well, Jesus, ever the Wise Teacher, uses this as a teachable moment. He begins to warn them about the Pharisees and about wicked King Herod Antipas, feeding them spiritual food. But the disciples want physical food. Their growling stomachs seem to drown out Jesus' spiritual insights. Mark tells us Jesus was aware of this. So He turns to them and asks them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? ... And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up? ... Do you not yet understand?”" (Mark 8:17:21) You see the disciples didn't get two signs. They didn't understand their significance.
But thank goodness that Jesus is the Patient One! He was patient with the disciples, and He's patient with us. Let's strive to model after Christ's pure and perfect example of patience.