'Prove Yourself' - Mark 8:11

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived [in the region of Dalmanutha], they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

—Mark 8:11 NLT

Key Thought


Seeking hearts in Jesus' day could see proof of his divinity with honest observation. Even some who were not seeking saw Jesus as God's Son as well. However, those who "came... to argue with him" and who were "testing him" and demanding a "sign... to prove his authority" could not see. One miracle, another sign, and yet another display of power would not be enough for them to believe. So much of our faith is tied to our own hearts. Are we seeking for truth? Are we seeking God? Do we yearn for what is really life? These are some crucial questions for us as we seek not only to know, but also to believe in, Jesus.

Today's Prayer


Father, I believe, but I want to believe more strongly and more completely. I don't want my faith to be shallow — not just a mere emotional cloud that is here today and gone tomorrow. Guide my heart and my mind as I seek to know truth, your truth, about who you are and what you want of me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

• Mark 15:25-30, 39
• John 7:17
• John 8:31-32

Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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