Pharisees press Jesus for a sign from heaven

Mark 8:11-21

The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he signed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation." And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side.

Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned then, saying, "Watch out - beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod." They said to one another, "It is because we have no bread." And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to 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 collect?" They said to him, "Twelve." "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?" And they said to him, "Seven." Then he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"

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I believe there are two distinct messages in this reading. The first involves humans' constant struggle with faith despite lack of evidence we can see, feel, hear, or experience. The second message reminds us that our worries about food - or housing or anything we perceive as essential - are unwarranted. The Lord will provide and our focus should be on further recognizing God's love.

I personally struggle with the first message more than I care to admit. I often fight the "logical" side of my brain that calls for proof that the Lord exists. I have trouble fully dedicating myself to the Lord as my doubt and questioning easily overwhelm my faith. However, my faith and knowledge of Christ continues to grow. I endeavor to have a faith that is stronger, deeper and wavers less often. This passage reminds me that outward signs are not a precursor to a true faith in God.

The second message speaks to me on a less literal level. I do have faith that through the Lord (and, yes, I admit through self-sufficiency) I will be provided for. I feel fortunate not to struggle daily with concerns about where my next meal will come from or where I will find shelter. I realize many people's needs are this basic and I pray that God helps them before He helps me with my far less essential needs. However, this passage does remind me to turn my concerns and anxieties over to God - that stress and worry are not necessary as the Lord will provide for us all.