S – The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. ¹² And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” ¹³ And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side. 

Mark 8:11–13 ESV

O – Commentary:

The religious authorities (cf. 3:22–30; 7:1–5) came and began to question (syzētein, “to dispute, debate”) Him. They wished to test (from peirazō; cf. 1:13; 10:2; 12:15) Him, to get Him to prove the source of His authority (cf. 3:22–30; 11:30; Deut. 13:2–5; 18:18–22). They were seeking (from zēteō; cf. Mark 11:18; 12:12; 14:1, 11, 55) from Him a sign from heaven, one with divine authorization. In the Old Testament a “sign” was not so much a demonstration of power as an evidence that an utterance or action was authentic and trustworthy (cf. tdnt, s.v. “sēmeion,” 7:210–6, 234–6). The Pharisees did not demand a spectacular miracle, but that Jesus give unmistakable proof that He and His mission were authorized by God. They believed quite the opposite

 John D. Grassmick, “Mark,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 137.

A – We fault the Pharisees for demanding a sign when Jesus is fulfilling prophecies all through his life and crucifixion.  Yet, in challenging times, we as ask God to “show himself.”  We can be just as guilty as them of looking for a sign to help us.  Like the religious leaders, we need faith that God is who he says he is in all situations.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God.  Help us to grow in our faith where we don’t look for signs but seek you.  We desire know your heart and character beyond your power and abilities.