"No sign shall be given..." (Mark 8:12)

"No sign shall be given..." (Mark 8:12)

It was quite common during Old Testament times for people to ask God for a "sign;" some miracle or occurrence as a message or proof. Gideon, when approached by God to do His bidding, requested three signs as proof before he would agree to do what God asked of him, one of which was to make dew appear upon a fleece.

Sadly, demanding signs of God in order to test Him instead of simply being trusting, is akin to making God "jump through hoops" for your sake; a benefit or proof for your own weak faith.

Therefore, when the scribes and pharisees asked Christ for a sign - even amidst the many miracles He has already performed - Jesus just said "no." Either you have faith (even though it might be the size of a mustard seed) or you don't.

Fr. John