“About four thousand were present. After he had sent them away, 10 he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.”13 Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.” Mark 8.9-13
Jesus had just fed four thousand men, not including women and children. This was his second major feeding miracle. All the people continued to be amazed at his work among them. Except for the Pharisees, the religious leaders who “began to question Jesus, to test him, they asked him for a sign.”
I don’t know about you but feeding thousands of people with food created out of thin air is a pretty good sign to me. How could they not see this? How could they ask him for a sign when right in front of their eyes people were being fed and their needs met?
This weekend I helped host Revive Winter Mission. It was an incredible time to encounter the Lord. Our Saturday night worship, which we went in to with a very detailed plan, was completely interrupted by the Holy Spirit. This has several times in ministry but this was a unique encounter and something I am calling an “outpouring” worship. After the first two songs students were drawn to the altar for prayer and repentance. This continued through the time planned for the sermon and extended with prayers, testimonies, songs and commitments made until we finally wrapped up the night two and a half hours later. And when Sunday morning came, and we integrated our youth worship with the churches regular service, it happened again. So much so that student were still praying, worshipping, seeking the Lord an hour after service as the band led them in songs.
Now what if I had come back and asked Jesus for a “sign.” “God, give me a sign that are you are alive, moving, and present.” That would be utter silliness. For God had just given me a sign of his presence, love and power. What happened at our Revive Winter Mission was certainly a Top 10 moment for me in my 25 years of leading camps and retreats.
Jesus wants to meet with his people. We don’t need to ask him for a sign — HE IS THE SIGN. His presence among us is evidence that he loves us, calls us and sends us on mission. It is a beautiful example of his grace and love working through us and in the world.
“Thank you Jesus for your presence. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your power at work in this world and in my life. I love you Lord and praise for your name. For the ways I encountered you this weekend, I give you thanks. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen