Mark 8:11-26
"And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.'"
Jesus' above reaction and remarks come immediately after the Pharisees, in an effort to test Jesus, have asked him for a sign from heaven. One of the most poignant aspects of this passage comes not from what Jesus says, but how Jesus reacts to the challenge. "[Jesus] sighed deeply in his spirit." What a powerful statement and what a powerful image. Jesus, God in flesh, the one who is free of sin, reacts just as any human being would to such a personal attack; he becomes frustrated and impatient. However, is that not the initial message? Jesus is given space to "sigh deeply in his spirit." Should we all not be afforded the space and opportunity to react similarly? In response to an overtly earthly, human challenge, Jesus' initial response is one of earthly, human instinct. May we all have the courage to let our spirit sigh deeply when needed.
When have you felt frustrated by a comment, question, or challenge directed at you? What was your initial response?
Our spirits are sighing deeply. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment