This brief encounter with the Pharisees and Sadducees reminds us not to test God.
Matthew 15:39-16:4, Mark 8:9b-12
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It’s interesting to see how Jesus interacts with the religious leaders during his time one earth. In this case, he’s just provided an amazing miracle by feeding 4,000 people and the enlightened Pharisees and Sadducees (sarcasm) ask him for a sign. Mark’s Gospel account is even more brief than Matthew’s, but both are direct and to the point:
Matthew provides an example for the Pharisees and Sadducees to ponder, but the point seems evident to me. He could have said, You just saw a miracle in feeding the crowd, even if you didn’t catch that, you saw people healed, you might have even heard a sermon that spoke through the legalism and revealed great hypocrisy. Now you ask for a sign? Seriously? Are you completely unable to see with your own eyes?
But Jesus doesn’t need to add words to the reply, some arguments are better left alone. Everyone around could see these guys were asking a foolish question.
We love to criticize the leaders and teachers of the past, but I wonder how many times we slip into their robes and put on the mantle of doubt and worldly teaching. Lord help us to see your signs that are ever present and all around us. Help us to walk away from the enticing arguments from fools, not because we’re afraid to confront them, but because it is of no use to speak to those who have chosen not to hear. Mostly importantly, give us discernment to know when to speak and when to leave.