Read Matthew 16:1-4

The last days of Jesus' earthly life are filled with significant events and teachings. During these weeks leading up to Easter, we'll travel with Jesus toward Jerusalem and his crucifixion, marveling at his determination to finally fulfill his destiny as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Read Matthew 16:1-4

The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

He replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 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. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.

Reflect

This is Matthew's version of part of the story we looked at yesterday in Mark's gospel. The religious elite, despite witnessing and hearing of all Jesus' miraculous signs and healings, still come and demand a "sign from heaven," a sign that Jesus has God's full authority. Jesus rips into them quite soundly, slamming them for being great at reading the weather and terrible at reading spiritual signs all around them. Knowing the story of Jonah, what do you think he meant when he said the only sign they will receive is the "sign of Jonah"?

Respond

Jesus seemed to grow increasingly weary of those who demanded supernatural and attention-seeking signs from him. Instead, in this cryptic answer he told them the only sign they would receive is the sign of his crucifixion and resurrection, the sign the story of Jonah foretold. How might you let Jesus' death on the cross and his bodily resurrection from the dead be enough for you today?