Evidence—information or facts—is helpful when we are assessing a belief or seeking to gain the truth about something or someone. We watch the news hoping to learn the truth and stay updated on relevant and important issues in the world. In a more powerful way, Scripture serves humanity as divine evidence.
The Old Testament provides a narrative revealing the evidence of God’s existence and His creative and sovereign interaction with humanity. The New Testament gospel writers provide the evidence of Christ’s birth, ministry, death, and resurrection from eyewitnesses. As we spend time in Scripture, the evidence of Truth becomes increasingly clear—not just intellectually, but spiritually.
Preceding our passage for today, Jesus has been performing miracles and revealing the nature and character of God. He calls people to repent and believe; many do and begin to see the truth that Jesus is the Son of David—the Messiah (Matthew 12:23). But the scholars and religious leaders feel like they need more evidence to be convinced. Without more proof, these leaders refuse to accept that God has come to earth [as God-Man] to reveal the greatest miracle of all—providing salvation from sin and death while offering the gift of eternal life.
Jesus—all-knowing God—has discerned everyone’s hearts—whether faithful or not to God—so, he responds to the Pharisee’s request with the Old Testament Scripture lesson of Jonah. The Pharisee’s have leaned on their own understanding and logic for so long they cannot see the truth standing before them. Jesus’ response was a rebuke and a prophetic seed for future revelation—will they put the pieces together when they witness Jesus being crucified, buried, but rising again?
I am convinced the Truth stands before humanity every day in many difference situations and circumstances. We love earthly concrete proof, so we become doubters until our quest for information is satisfied. Faith is required; we must believe God exists and He rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). The evidence of God is not in His actions—although they are wonderful. The evidence of God is Him living in each one of us as we reveal His loving nature and character to the world. You are the proof!
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[a] 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.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see beyond our need for constant proof and to recognize the evidence You have already given. Soften our hearts where pride or doubt has taken root. Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. May Your truth not only be something we understand, but something we live. Let our lives reflect Your love and become evidence of Your presence to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.