Matthew 12:38-42 (NLT) The Sign of Jonah
38 One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.”
39 But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.
41 “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. 42 The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen.
In our passage today, Jesus aligns those who will not listen to his word or welcome his authority over their lives (in this case he is talking to religious leaders and Jewish Pharisees) with being a part of an adulterous and evil generation. Adulterous—being unfaithful— and evil—opposing God’s will for them—yet they are certain they are in fellowship with God. How is this even possible that people could claim to know and have fellowship with God and not recognize Jesus—the Word? I believe the answer is because the Word calls for change; these people do not recognize the Word is Living as an example to follow. Humanity must repent and receive the Word; it is the only way to know and have fellowship with God.
Prayer: Lord you proved your authority over heaven and earth when you rose from the dead, so I don’t need more proof. However, I do need to use my faith in your authority and power in order to embrace the daily change necessary to move forward with your Spirit. Thank you for helping me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.