The Demand for a Sign

11 And the Pharisees went out and began to dispute against him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, tempting him. 12 And groaning in his spirit, he says, Why does this generation seek a sign? Verily I say unto you, A sign shall in no wise be given to this generation. 13 And he left them, and going again on board ship, went away to the other side.

The Leaven of the Pharisees

14 And they forgot to take bread, and save one loaf, they had not [any] with them in the ship. 15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and [of] the leaven of Herod. 16 And they reasoned with one another, [saying], It is because we have no bread. 17 And Jesus knowing [it], says to them, Why reason ye because ye have no bread? Do ye not yet perceive nor understand? Have ye your heart [yet] hardened? 18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many hand-baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say to him, Twelve. 20 And when the seven for the four thousand, the filling of how many baskets of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven. 21 And he said to them, How do ye not yet understand?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 8:11-21

Commentary on Mark 8:11-21

(Read Mark 8:11-21)

Obstinate unbelief will have something to say, though ever so unreasonable. Christ refused to answer their demand. If they will not be convinced, they shall not. Alas! what cause we have to lament for those around us, who destroy themselves and others by their perverse and obstinate unbelief, and enmity to the gospel! When we forget the works of God, and distrust him, we should chide ourselves severely, as Christ here reproves his disciples. How is it that we so often mistake his meaning, disregard his warnings, and distrust his providence?