Tiresome Unbelievers

The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, demanding of Him a sign from heaven to test Him. But sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation demand a sign? I assure you: no sign will be given to this generationa," then He left them, got on board the boat again, and went to the other side. Mark 8:11-13

Incredulous! Jesus is healing people left, right and centre, setting demoniacs  free, walking on water, feeding thousands of people with a few loaves of bread and a few fish. Yet here were these bigoted religious leaders wanting Him to perform for them. Jesus knew that they would not believe even if He gave them what they wanted, so He gets back on the boat and leaves only to be faced by dull disciples who still do not 'get it.' When Jesus tells them, "beware of the leven of the Pharisees," they think He is talking about bread. Wrong!

What was the problem? Both groups did not think spiritually minded, both were earth bound. The Pharisees were defending their positions, the disciples were struggling to understand the dimension of the spirit. There is a lot of preoccupation with food.

I also notice that Jesus commutes a lot by boat. This gives Him a reprieve. For a time I lived on the a Northern Beaches of Sydney and occasionally would need to go into the city. When my destination was quayside I would catch the ferry from Manly to Circular Quay. What a lovely interlude, no traffic, just the sea, the wind and sky. Very refreshing. I can understanding how it gave Jesus time to renew and refresh.

The burden of carrying unbelievers around would have been a tiresome weight indeed. I knew the times I struggle to inspire staff to catch vision and walk in faith, instead of complaining, or thinking only of self.

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