Looking for signs? All you need to do is pick up and your Bible and open it. #Reflectonthis #DailyReflection https://youtu.be/rkRrn3uGnvg


Scripture Reading: Mark 8:11-13
The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed 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.


Reflection
By now, Jesus has not only been teaching powerfully but has performed many miracles. Jesus knows that unless people see signs and wonders, they will not believe (see John 4:48). He has healed the sick, cast out demons, multiplied loaves and fish to feed thousands, and worked many other great wonders. Word of this had already spread over many regions.  The Pharisees would have not only heard of this, but many of them would have been a witness to these miraculous signs that could only be performed by one from God.  Despite this, the Pharisees began questioning Jesus again, asking him for a sign from heaven. 

Don’t we wonder as we read about this: “What more does he need to do? Why do they not believe? It is so obvious who is he, isn’t it” But then the same questions can be asked of us, don’t you think?  Even though we claim to be believers, we are continually asking for signs from heaven, aren’t we?  So, if we doubt, how are we going to talk about Jesus to anyone who does not know him. When the Pharisees asked for a sign from heaven, he deeply sighed in his spirit, asking why this generation asked for a sign? Wouldn’t Jesus be sighing even more deeply when we ask for signs because we have even more reason to believe? 

Our doubts and lack of faith and trust lead us to believe that we continuously need signs. After being filled with the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room, Peter said, "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know this. (Acts 2:22). And later, he goes on to say, "Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36).

The signs and wonders that Jesus performed are all written here. All we need to do is believe with total faith. Paul says “that by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ” (see Romans 15:19). So also, it can be with us. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we will not only be able to speak about Jesus but perform signs and wonders so that others may believe, and we may glorify God.

May we believe in order that others may believe.