Demanding Proof:

Jesus does not respond to demands: He meets the needs of the faithful.

I was reading Mark 8:11-12 this morning. The Pharisees were demanding proof from Jesus that God had sent Him. He refuses to give them a sign that He was the Messiah. They already knew He was healing people and performing miracles. The people who actually received proof that Jesus was the Messiah were not demanding proof. The people receiving the miracles were in need, and the Messiah was meeting their needs.

Mark 8:11-12 (KJV)

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. ¹² And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

The faithful don’t need to demand proof.

I also thought about Matthew 11:2-6, where the Disciples of John went to Jesus to confirm that He was the Messiah. He told them to report to John what they had heard and seen being done for the people. They accepted whatever miracles Jesus was performing for the people as proof. Again, He didn’t need to perform a miracle just to prove He was the Messiah. The Disciples of John relied on what they had seen and heard, and on the testimony of the people.

Matthew 11:2-6 (KJV)

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, ³ And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? ⁴ Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: ⁵ The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Ask in Faith with the right attitude.

I realized this morning how important our attitudes are to get a miracle. There is a difference between asking out of need for a miracle and demanding one for proof. I realized that when I pray for a miracle for someone, I need to pray out of their need, not for any other reason.

Holy Father, sanctify us in Christ Jesus. Please teach us how to pray with the right attitude in faith. Jesus, there are so many people in need of healing. We need physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological healing. Lord Jesus, please have mercy on us and help us receive whatever healing You would give us. Amen.