Jesus once again feeds a large crowd with few loaves of bread and a few small fish. Then He sends the crowd away and gets on a boat. When he gets off the boat the religious leaders, the Pharisees, come to Him demanding a sign.

Keep in mind that the healings, the miracles Jesus had done, the teachings He spoke were all done in the open. The Pharisees knew about them and yet that was not enough.

“He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.”” Mark 8:12 NIV

A little later Jesus warns His disciples.

““Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.”” Mark 8:15 NIV

Watch out for the influence of the Pharisees and of Herod. Yeast influences. It works it’s way through the flour and effects the way it acts. It causes it to change. The influence of the Pharisees teachings of salvation through works, following the law, and dependence on self was everywhere. Then there was Herod who did whatever he felt like another bad influence. Both groups lived their lives for self and self preservation. That was their example to their world. It is what worked its way into the very fiber of the Jewish culture. That is why the Pharisees wanted “a sign.” Jesus threatened their way by doing things God’s way. He followed the way of grace, forgiveness, love, and mercy. This was not the way of the Pharisees. Jesus challenged their realm of influence.

Our world is no different. When we come face to face with Jesus we must choose. Do we follow His way or do we go our own way as the Pharisees and Herod did? Who is your influence over your life yourself and your ways or Jesus and His way?

May we choose the Jesus Way!!

I want to encourage you to listen to this song. More than once. Close your eyes and contemplate what it means to choose the Jesus way.