And Jesus Sighed
Mark 8:11, 12 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
Intro: Interesting things about sighing:
In a series of studies, the University of Oslo in Norway explored the context in which people sigh—when are people doing it, and how is it perceived by others?
First, the researchers distributed questionnaires to participants to explore what “emotional” words are associated with sighing: active vs. passive? intense vs. subdued? Additionally, they were asked how frequently they sigh, and whether they do so alone or in company.
In general, the experimenters noted that sighs are associated with a negative mood—a sign of disappointment, defeat, frustration, boredom, and longing. Not too surprising. In addition, the students reported that they sigh in public roughly as often as they do in private, suggesting that it may not be a form of communication, per se.
Next, the researchers had the subjects imagine four scenarios: someone sighing among a group eating in a cafeteria; sitting next to someone on a bench who sighs; watching a person open a letter then sighing; and hearing your friend sigh on the opposite end of a telephone conversation. How did the subjects perceive each scenario? The researchers also asked them to compare feelings associated with themselves sighing versus others doing so.
In each of the four cases, participants imagined people to be sighing out of negative feelings ten times more often than for positive reasons. Furthermore, when others sigh, it’s perceived as sadness—but when we sigh, we do so out of frustration.
Lastly, the experimenters presented the participants with one of two puzzles: one solvable but difficult, the other impossible (but seemingly simple). They were instructed to work as long as they’d like and to give up at any point if desired. Sighs were counted by observers.
And sigh they did—77% of puzzlers sighed, with an average of 4 sighs per person. Most occurred during breaks between unsuccessful attempts. When asked how they felt, the vast majority of participants expressed frustration—interestingly, most denied ever sighing at all, even when told that they were observed doing so.
So what is a sigh? According to this study, it’s an expression of resignation and frustration. But depending on who’s sighing—and in what context—it can be perceived differently by others.
Also translated “groan”.
- Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
- 2 Corinthians 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
- 2 Corinthians 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
- And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
I. The Frustration of Savior – vs. 12
And Jesus Sighed:
A. Because they Questioned Him
QUESTION: dispute; argue
B. Because they Doubted Him
They wanted extra-biblical proof.
They could not accept His word; they wanted something special
- Go to Matthew 12:39
- Go to Matthew 15:1
C. Because they Tempted Him
- Look at Matthew 22:17, 18 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
II. The Futility of the Situation – vs. 13 Jesus made that trip for nothing. See verse 10
- Psalms 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
III. The Failure of the Skeptics– they had an opportunity to learn something, but didn’t.
They did not learn one thing.
They did not see Him do one thing.
They did not worship him.
They did not hear one parable; not one lesson; not one message.