Signs and Wonders Don't Change Hearts

In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him and said to them, 2 "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.” 4 And his disciples answered him, “How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?” 5 And he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 And he directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish. And having blessed them, he said that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. 10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.
Mark 8:1-21

Jesus told the Pharisees that no sign would be given to this generation. But why? It is not like Jesus was opposed to performing miracles. We are not halfway through the Gospel of Mark, and we have seen Jesus feed the multitudes twice, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, open the ears of the deaf, cast out demons, and calm storms. These are all signs, but when the Pharisees ask for a sign Jesus won't budge. 

The difference is motive. In every instance where Jesus did a miracle it was because someone had a real need they asked him to meet. Those in need heard Jesus might be the one who could offer them help, so they sought him out. Jesus loves to meet needs because, by coming to him, they show they believe he is someone who can meet their needs. The Pharisees come to Jesus looking for trouble—to undermine him—not for help. The Pharisees heard reports that Jesus might be the Christ, so they came to show everyone that he was not.

Signs and wonders never change hearts—they confirm the faith that’s already present. It’s common to think that if only God would prove he existed, then people would believe. Judas witnessed Jesus’ miracles and even performed them in Jesus name, yet the end result was unbelief, not worship. 

What about you? Do you come to Jesus asking him to meet your deepest needs or wanting more proof that he is able? One approach is worship; the other is unbelief.