Pharisees came to meet Jesus, but Jesus left them - Why?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Sixth  Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mk 8:11-13*

*First Reading : Gn 4:1-15, 25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 50:1 and 8, 16bc-17, 20-21*

*Pharisees came to meet Jesus, but Jesus left them - Why?*

*1) Pharisees coming to meet Jesus*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Pharisees who were coming to meet Jesus 

But the same Gospel also tells us that Jesus left them, got into the boat and went to the other side 

It is interesting to know the reason behind, why Jesus left them

*2) Pharisees came to Argue with Jesus*

The Pharisees approached Jesus not to understand but to prove themselves right.

This serves as a important lesson to all of us 

Do we engage in discussions about faith to grow in truth, or are we more concerned with defending our opinions?

True discipleship requires humility, a willingness to be taught rather than an eagerness to debate.

*3) Pharisees came to seek a sign from Jesus*

Seeking a sign from Jesus shows the lack of faith in Jesus and in His divinity

The Pharisees demanding a sign from Jesus, despite witnessing many miracles, shows their arrogance in accepting the truth and reality 

This shows that miracles alone do not produce faith; faith is a disposition of the heart. 

When we demand proof from God before believing, we reveal not faith but skepticism.

*4) Pharisees came to test Jesus*

The Pharisees’ testing of Jesus mirrors Israel’s testing of God in the wilderness (Exodus 17:2).

Instead of trusting God’s ways, they constantly demanded signs and explanations. 

This teaches us that faith does not come from repeatedly challenging God, but from surrendering to His wisdom and will.

*5) Jesus was sad over the behavior of the Pharisees*

Jesus was often saddened by the behavior of the Pharisees, not because they opposed Him personally, but because their hardened hearts kept them from receiving God’s grace.

The Pharisees witnessed miracles and heard divine wisdom but refused to change. 

Jesus’ grief shows that God desires not just obedience but transformation of the heart. 

*6) Jesus left the Pharisees*

Jesus engaged with the Pharisees many times, offering wisdom and correction. But when He saw that their hearts remained closed, He chose to leave. 

This teaches us that not every argument is worth continuing—when people resist truth, sometimes the best response is to move on.

The Pharisees had the privilege of standing before the Messiah, yet their stubbornness caused them to lose that opportunity. When Jesus left, He took His presence and His teaching with Him. 

This is a warning: if we continually reject God’s voice, we risk losing the chance to hear it again.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*