Have you noticed how flooded we are with information—24 hours a day? Things are so much different from when I was growing up. We had to wait for the six o’clock news to hear all the breaking news. Now, even Cardi B’s latest breakup qualifies as “breaking news”, and it buzzes straight to our phones the moment it hits the press. News comes from all sources these days. Anyone can become a news anchor —no credentials needed, forget facts, who’s asking for evidence anymore? In this scene, Jesus has just fed thousands, healed the sick, and even cast out demons. There was a mixed crowd all around Him, and among them, for some whom I like to call, “the skeptics!”
Why does this generation seek a sign?
~Mark 8:12
Kingdom Precept: Faith doesn’t demand signs; it discerns truth!
Recently, Jesus indeed fed 4,000 people, but the Pharisees refused to recognize this as a miracle. Instead, they demanded that Jesus prove who He was. I admire Jesus’ calm and unwavering response; He knew His identity, and no one could alter that truth. He sighed deeply, grieved by the stubborn unbelief. He knew no sign would satisfy them; they weren’t seeking truth, only control. Their intention wasn’t to believe but to trap.”
Seeking signs without sincere faith leads only to futility.
Jesus doesn’t indulge their demand, because kingdom signs don’t bend to human pride. In 1st Corinthians 1:22-24, we gain insight into what was happening in their hearts. The natural mind couldn’t grasp it; Christ had become a stumbling block instead of a Savior. The pursuit without faith makes it impossible to please God. This isn’t about denying miracles; it’s about discerning motives. If they couldn’t recognize the significance of what God was already doing in sending His Son, then they were sunk in the boat before it ever left the dock.
Today, even among believers, we still chase signs while ignoring all the ways God has already shown up. Yet we believe Instagram reels without proof, while asking God for one more miracle. These days, it’s a race to get the news spread first, and we’ve thrown validity out the window in every other realm but the faith realm. Mature faith rests in who He is, not in what He shows us. For everyone else, we will trust to verify. However, I refused to be continually learning and never come to a knowledge of truth when it comes to the things of God. In a world obsessed with what is visible, Jesus is still asking us, Why are you chasing signs and not me?
I’ve had many moments in my own life where I’ve seen God prove Himself to me times I can’t count. I understand that sometimes we have to “see it to believe it!” Blessed is the person who can believe without needing to see. I realize in this journey of my life that it’s all about perspective. Jesus was trying to train my heart to trust Him when I couldn’t trace Him in those times He allowed me to see clearly what He was doing. It wasn’t just about believing when I couldn’t see, it was about remembering what I could.
Time Of Reflection:
* Faith that depends on signs will always need another.
* A heart hungry for truth won’t settle for spectacle.
The Heart-Probe moment:
Have I ever delayed obedience because I was waiting for another sign?
References;
Mark 8:12
1 Cor. 1:22-24
Heb 11:6
2 Tim 1:7
Chronological Bible placement: Thomas Nelson Chronological Study bible
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, I realize that in this area, I’ve even missed it; there are moments when I come seeking You with the expectation that You will do something major in my life. In those moments, I realize I’m not truly seeing at all. I truly desire to know You, therefore I ask that You cleanse my heart from doubt disguised as questions. Make me bold in belief and quiet in spirit when the world demands more proof. Your presence will always be enough. Strengthen my faith until signs are a byproduct, not a prerequisite. AMEN
