Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 8:11

"And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him." — Mark 8:11 (ASV)

This paragraph seems quite separate from the one immediately preceding it. Mark probably placed it here to form a parallel in this section (8:1–30) with 7:1–23 in the previous section (6:31–7:37). Both incidents relate to conflict with the Pharisees.

The request for a sign by the Pharisees was not sincere; rather, it was to tempt Jesus. Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness was not a once-for-all experience. The devil came back again and again to tempt him. Here the Pharisees were asking Jesus to provide indisputable outward compelling proof of divine authority, more proof than his miracles afforded. Jesus resolutely refused the request for such a sign because it arose out of unbelief.