Powerful things

Mark 8:11-13

These Pharisees wanted Jesus to show that he had power from God. So they asked Jesus to do something that people cannot do. They said that they wanted to believe Jesus. But he must do something powerful before they would believe.

It is clear that Jesus was doing powerful things often. He made ill people well. He caused bad spirits to leave people. He gave food to crowds. These were all powerful things. A person cannot usually do these things. So these things show that Jesus had power from God.

These Pharisees knew about these events. That is why they came to Jesus. But still they did not believe. That is why they argued with Jesus. They did not want to believe him.

People often ask God to do something powerful. Then they say that they will believe. But they should not do this. People should believe God because he is God. They should always love him and they should always obey him.

God will help a person who really wants to believe. But he will not cause anyone to believe if that person does not want this. And there are many people who do not want to believe.