Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign
(Mark 8:11-13; Luke 12:54-56)
1The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. 2He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 4A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
(Mark 8:14-21)
5And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 7And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread. 8Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Peter's Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20; John 6:66-71)
13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
(Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:21-22)
21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Take Up Your Cross
(Matthew 10:37-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27)
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
King James Bible
Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.
The Demand for a Sign
(Mark 8:11–13; Luke 12:54–56)
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times! 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them, and departed.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
(Mark 8:14–21; Luke 12:1–3)
5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.
6 Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread.” 8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9 Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter’s Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20; John 6:67–71)
13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” 20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.
Christ’s Passion Foretold
(Mark 8:31–33; Luke 9:21–22)
21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22 Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.” 23 But he turned, and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.”
Take Up Your Cross
(Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:23–27)
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds.
28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”
The Demand for a Sign
(Mark 8:11–13; Luke 12:54–56)
1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
2 But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. a 4 A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
(Mark 8:14–21; Luke 12:1–3)
5 When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread. 6 “Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7 They discussed this among themselves and concluded, “It is because we did not bring any bread.”
8 Aware of their conversation, Jesus said, “You of little faith, why are you debating among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Do you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
12 Then they understood that He was not telling them to beware of the leaven used in bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter’s Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20; John 6:67–71)
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He questioned His disciples: “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! b For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
20 Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
Christ’s Passion Foretold
(Mark 8:31–33; Luke 9:21–22)
21 From that time on Jesus c began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
23 But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
Take Up Your Cross
(Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:23–27)
24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
28 Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Footnotes:
3 a Several manuscripts do not include When evening comes... of the times. from verses 2 and 3.
17 b Greek Simon Bar-Jonah
21 c NE and WH Jesus Christ
Pharisees and Sadducees Seek a Sign
(Mark 8:11-13; Luke 12:54-56)
1And the Pharisees and Sadducees having come, tempting, did question him, to shew to them a sign from the heaven, 2and he answering said to them, 'Evening having come, ye say, Fair weather, for the heaven is red, 3and at morning, Foul weather to-day, for the heaven is red -- gloomy; hypocrites, the face of the heavens indeed ye do know to discern, but the signs of the times ye are not able! 4'A generation evil and adulterous doth seek a sign, and a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet;' and having left them he went away.
Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees
(Mark 8:14-21)
5And his disciples having come to the other side, forgot to take loaves, 6and Jesus said to them, 'Beware, and take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees;' 7and they were reasoning in themselves, saying, 'Because we took no loaves.' 8And Jesus having known, said to them, 'Why reason ye in yourselves, ye of little faith, because ye took no loaves? 9do ye not yet understand, nor remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many hand-baskets ye took up? 10nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11how do ye not understand that I did not speak to you of bread -- to take heed of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?' 12Then they understood that he did not say to take heed of the leaven of the bread, but of the teaching, of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Peter's Confession of Christ
(Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20; John 6:66-71)
13And Jesus, having come to the parts of Caesarea Philippi, was asking his disciples, saying, 'Who do men say me to be -- the Son of Man?' 14and they said, 'Some, John the Baptist, and others, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.' 15He saith to them, 'And ye -- who do ye say me to be?' 16and Simon Peter answering said, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' 17And Jesus answering said to him, 'Happy art thou, Simon Bar-Jona, because flesh and blood did not reveal it to thee, but my Father who is in the heavens. 18'And I also say to thee, that thou art a rock, and upon this rock I will build my assembly, and gates of Hades shall not prevail against it; 19and I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth shall be having been bound in the heavens, and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens.' 20Then did he charge his disciples that they may say to no one that he is Jesus the Christ.
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
(Mark 8:31-33; Luke 9:21-22)
21From that time began Jesus to shew to his disciples that it is necessary for him to go away to Jerusalem, and to suffer many things from the elders, and chief priests, and scribes, and to be put to death, and the third day to rise. 22And having taken him aside, Peter began to rebuke him, saying, 'Be kind to thyself, sir; this shall not be to thee;' 23and he having turned, said to Peter, 'Get thee behind me, adversary! thou art a stumbling-block to me, for thou dost not mind the things of God, but the things of men.'
Take Up Your Cross
(Matthew 10:37-39; Mark 8:34-38; Luke 9:23-27)
24Then said Jesus to his disciples, 'If any one doth will to come after me, let him disown himself, and take up his cross, and follow me, 25for whoever may will to save his life, shall lose it, and whoever may lose his life for my sake shall find it, 26for what is a man profited if he may gain the whole world, but of his life suffer loss? or what shall a man give as an exchange for his life? 27'For, the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father, with his messengers, and then he will reward each, according to his work.
28Verily I say to you, there are certain of those standing here who shall not taste of death till they may see the Son of Man coming in his reign.'
The Favor of God Message paraphrase
The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand a Sign
¹ The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.
² He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’
³ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.
⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away.*
The Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
⁵ When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.
⁶ “Be on your guard,” Jesus said to them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
⁷ They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
⁸ Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
⁹ Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
¹⁰ Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
¹¹ How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
¹² Then they understood that He was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.*
Peter Declares That Jesus is the Messiah
¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
¹⁵ “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?”
¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.
¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.*
¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
²⁰ Then He ordered His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah.
Jesus Predicts His Death
²¹ From that time on, Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
²² Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!”
²³ Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”*
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me
²⁴ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me!
²⁵ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.
²⁶ What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
²⁷ For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what they have done.
²⁸ Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Footnotes:
16:4: The “sign of Jonah” refers to Jesus’ death and resurrection, similar to how Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and nights (Jonah 1:17).
16:12: The “yeast” here symbolizes the false teachings and corrupt influence of the religious leaders, which could spread and negatively affect the disciples if not guarded against.
16:18: The name “Peter” (Greek: Petros) means “rock,” and Jesus uses a play on words here to signify that Peter’s faith will be foundational for the church.
16:23: Jesus’ strong rebuke of Peter shows the danger of setting our minds on human priorities over God’s plans. Peter’s words, though well-intentioned, aligned with Satan’s opposition to Jesus’ mission.
16:24: To “take up the cross” refers to accepting a life of self-denial, suffering, and commitment to following Jesus, even unto death.
16:25: This verse captures the paradox of the Christian life—seeking to preserve one’s own life leads to loss, while surrendering life for Jesus leads to true life.
16:28: “Not taste death” likely refers to Peter, James and John witnessing the transfiguration. And also all the followers of Jesus who saw the kingdom’s power in the resurrection of Jesus and the spread of the gospel to the nations, which some of the disciples would live to see.
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