Some people worry that they might annoy Jesus. They hesitate to ask questions. They try to get things exactly right.

They point to a moment when Jesus rolled his eyes, climbed in a boat, and sailed away.

And they want to be sure he’s not going to do that again.

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Sometime after Jesus fed 4000 people, some Pharisees came to test him.

It was kind of a doctrinal purity thing, going back to a conversation that had started five chapters earlier. At that time, some teachers of the law said, “He’s casting out demons with permission from the prince of demons.” Jesus pre-quoted Lincoln, saying, “A kingdom divided against itself can’t stand.”

So now the Pharisees are picking up the conversation: “Can you give us a sign from heaven that will prove that all these miracles are coming from God and not from Satan?”

There was no right answer. If Jesus tried to offer evidence, they would argue. In fact, in a few more chapters, when he says to them, “I am the Messiah,” the death sentence is pronounced.

But it’s too early for that part of the story. For now, Jesus sighs deeply. Or rolls his eyes. Or in some culturally appropriate ways demonstrates his annoyance and frustration. “You aren’t getting the sign that you want.”

He’s not done with miracles. In a couple paragraphs he will heal yet another blind man.

But he’s not interested in arguing with people who have already convicted him.

Sometimes, it’s worth helping people understand. In the very next story, Jesus will try one more time to help the disciples understand. That’s what teachers do. But sometimes, it’s okay to walk away, to climb in the boat, to protect the hearts of those disciples from people wanting to destroy in the name of God.