Definition: And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 8:11. It’s a really important moment in Jesus’ ministry – it describes a confrontation between him and his followers. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: Jesus is teaching about the afterlife (the idea of Heaven). He's explaining that after people die, they will be reunited with their loved ones. He’s talking about a reunion where we’ll all be together forever. The Pharisees – The Questioners: The Pharisees are a group of Jewish leaders who were very concerned with rules and traditions. They were worried about what God wanted to happen after death. They weren't really interested in the spiritual meaning of it all, just about following laws. What They Were Doing: They started asking Jesus questions – seeking a sign from heaven. “Sign from heaven” means they wanted something extraordinary, something that would prove God’s existence or show them something special after death. It was a way to try and get him to do something amazing for them. The Temptation: They were trying to entice him! They weren't asking genuine questions about the afterlife; they were manipulating him with their desire for something extraordinary. It’s like trying to persuade someone to do something by offering a big, impressive reward. In short, the Pharisees were being manipulative and disruptive during Jesus’ teaching. Why it's significant: This is a key part of the story because it shows that even those who are deeply concerned with religious rules can be difficult and try to distract Jesus from his message. It highlights the importance of trusting God and focusing on what truly matters – eternal life with Him. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, or would you like a different angle on this passage? For example, we could talk about: The context of the story (when did this happen?) What Jesus was teaching at the time? Why this passage is important for understanding Christian beliefs?