What Jesus Did! 'Prove Yourself' — Mark 8:11

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived [in the region of Dalmanutha], they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.
— Mark 8:11 NLT

Key Thought

Seeking hearts in Jesus' day could see proof of his divinity with honest observation. Even some who were not seeking saw Jesus as God's Son as well. However, those who "came... to argue with him" and who were "testing him" and demanding a "sign... to prove his authority" could not see. One miracle, another sign, and yet another display of power would not be enough for them to believe. So much of our faith is tied to our own hearts. Are we seeking for truth? Are we seeking God? Do we yearn for what is really life? These are some crucial questions for us as we seek not only to know, but also to believe in, Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Father, I believe, but I want to believe more strongly and more completely. I don't want my faith to be shallow — not just a mere emotional cloud that is here today and gone tomorrow. Guide my heart and my mind as I seek to know truth, your truth, about who you are and what you want of me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 15:25-30, 39
  • John 7:17
  • John 8:31-32

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:11 NLT — Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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