Scripture

Jesus replied, “Only an evil and adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.”

Observation

Some scribes and Pharisees come to Jesus and demand a miracle to prove His authority. Jesus refuses, saying that they are evil and adulterous. The only sign that He will give them is His death and resurrection.

Jesus then goes on to say that the people of Nineveh and the Queen of Sheba will testify against them on the Day of Judgement for failing to see the greatness and the wisdom of Jesus.

Application

The religious leaders demanded that Jesus perform a miraculous sign to prove that He was the Messiah. This was despite the fact that Jesus had already healed many people, delivered many others from demons, calmed a storm , and fed over 5000 people. John’s gospel is explicitly structured around seven signs which Jesus performed to prove He is the “I Am.”

Faith in Jesus is not dependent on miraculous signs. People who demand proof generally are not looking to be convinced.

Our acceptance of the gospel is not a matter of proof or signs. In fact, many people received miracles but did not put their faith in Jesus.

Most people who come to the Lord say that they “knew” it was right. There is a spiritual connection regardless of intellectual assent.

God speaks to us through our spirit. That may or may not have an emotional (soul) or cognitive (mind) resonance. It does not matter as it is our spirit that relates to God.

The Pharisees, like many people today, were hard of heart and refused to repent and believe that Jesus is Lord.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation. May I never grow hard- hearted towards you. Amen.