The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore. (Mk 8:11-13)
Jesus went about preaching the kingdom and doing many miracles (activities) for the kingdom. Many people followed him. As the story evolved people from the villages flocked to him. For the poor, the sick, the suffering and the marginalized his preaching was sufficient proof of the kingdom among them. But the people in authority and leadership are surprised at his activities and ask for a sign.
Their demand for a sign itself was a sign of something for Jesus. It was a sign that this generation – the main stream – was determined not to hear his message that he was announcing and they wanted to go away from his way of ministry. Their demand for a sign was a sign for him that they had a different view of the kingdom. They came demanding a sign but they left behind a sign.
Jesus was very clear that they did not come with an open mind to see the kingdom working its way among the people. Probably they came with fear and doubt and suspicion to know what Jesus was doing. But for Jesus this was his vocation and life. In fact this opposing view of the kingdom was seen to the last moment. There was not going to be any compromise between him and the Pharisees. So Jesus left them where they were and he went away. So they remained where they were literally but Jesus moved on.
