In Mark 8:11–33, we come to a part of the Gospel where the disciples figure out who Jesus is (Mark 8:29) and where Jesus tells them what he came to do (Mark 8:31). Jesus will also go on to tell his disciples how they must respond to him (Mark 8:34 – 9:1). This section is thus a very important part in the Gospel serving as a hinge between the first half of the Gospel (Mark 8:1–21) and the second half of the Gospel ( Mark 8:22 – 16:8).
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.