The Demand for a Sign

11 The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven , to test Him. 12 Sighing deeply in His spirit , He said , "Why does this generation seek for a sign ? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation ." 13 Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side .

The Leaven of the Pharisees

14 And they had forgotten to take bread , and did not have more than one loaf in the boat with them. 15 And He was giving orders to them, saying , " Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod ." 16 They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread . 17 And Jesus , aware of this, said to them, "Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread ? Do you not yet see or understand ? Do you have a hardened heart ? 18 " HAVING EYES , DO YOU NOT SEE ? AND HAVING EARS , DO YOU NOT HEAR ? And do you not remember , 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand , how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?" They said to Him, "Twelve ." 20 "When I broke the seven for the four thousand , how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?" And they said to Him, "Seven ." 21 And He was saying to them, " Do you 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?