Christ is again followed by a large hungry crowd, this time consisting of primarily gentiles. After showing compassion on the gentile Syrophoenician woman (7:24–30) and the healing of the gentile man (vv. 31–37), not Jesus shows that He is the compassionate shepherd who feeds (spiritually and physically) those who would come to Him from any nation (8:1–9). This faithful reception is not mirrored by the religious leaders in Israel who instead of receiving His teaching ask for signs to prove His identity (vv. 10–13). Jesus refuses to allow them to “put the Lord to the test” and refuses with emotive compassion. The question left to the reader is: Will I scrutinize and put the Lord to the test, or will I receive His word with humility?