What Jesus Did! 'Leaving the Cynics Behind' — Mark 8:12-13

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

When [the Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus], he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign." So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake.
— Mark 8:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Sometimes we just have to say, "No!" Jesus would not let his ministry become a sideshow. He would not pander to an audience that was important, but that was determined not to believe. There are times when we need to recognize that some people are not going to believe and move on to others who are looking for God and his grace in Jesus.

Today's Prayer

O Father, help me know when to move on! I know I have prayed this prayer several times in the last few days, but it is so important to me. I don't want to give up on someone seeking you, but I also know that I can get so caught up trying to reach one specific person that I fail to see the many around me who are seeking, but who have no one to share your grace with them. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 6:6-13
  • John 6:22-30
  • Acts 13:48-51

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 8:12-13 NLT — "Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign."

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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