Matthew 12:38–42

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Dean, School of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

WHAT’S THE SIGN?

Matthew 12:38–42

Throughout the Gospel accounts Jewish leaders and followers regularly look for signs to confirm the work of God. John explains that the selected signs in his record are intended to lead readers to believe that Jesus is the Anointed One (John 20:30–31). In his first epistle to Corinth, the apostle Paul affirms that “Jews demand miraculous signs” (1 Cor. 1:22).

Not all people want a sign from God. Bible students may recall King Ahaz, who refused a sign from God offered by the prophet Isaiah. God’s sign of the virgin conception was revealed in spite of the unbelieving king’s rejection. In this week’s lesson we will explore King Jesus’ response to yet another request for a sign.

Seeking a Sign (38)

“Teacher, we want a sign from You.” Jesus has given sight to the blind, opened deaf ears, made the lame to walk, cast out demons and raised the dead. Yes, but we want another sign. A fine line exists between asking for a sign to discern God’s will (like Gideon in Judges 6) and these religious leaders who refused to believe regardless of how many times Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural and supernatural realms.

Identifying the Sign (39–40)

Jesus characterized this generation as evil and adulterous. The scribes and Pharisees who requested a sign failed to recognize that in contrast to God’s holiness, all their righteous deeds were like rags (Isa. 64:6). They refused to acknowledge that no one is good except God (Ps. 14:2–3). These religious leaders were self-righteous (Rom. 10:3), following their own traditions rather than the Law. They were guilty of idolatry, which is spiritual adultery.

The burial of Jonah (inside the sea creature) and his recommissioning served as the only sign Jesus was willing to offer. Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for “three days and three nights” (some would interpret this as portions thereof), and Jesus foreshadows His own death and resurrection with this sign.

A Warning Sign (41–42)

“Men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it.” Just as we encountered in last week’s lesson, we see Jesus bringing indictments against a generation who refused to learn from the past. They were fully aware of God’s judgment upon the Gentiles in Tyre, Sidon, Sodom and Nineveh. In spite of that knowledge, they refused to repent of their sins and acknowledge that Jesus is Lord.

The Ninevites believed God (Jon. 3:5), fasted and repented of their idolatry when Jonah brought God’s message of judgment to the Assyrian capital. When the Queen of Sheba heard about the wisdom of God bestowed on King Solomon, she went to investigate. Her conclusion was that Yahweh had blessed Solomon with wisdom, and that Yahweh was worthy of praise (2 Chron. 9:8). In both instances, Gentiles encountered the Word of God and adjusted their lives accordingly. By contrast the scribes and Pharisees were superbly aware of the content of Scripture without willingly surrendering to its message.

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection serve as the central theme of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:3–4). In the latter chapters of his Gospel, Matthew reiterates this theme (16:21; 17:23; 20:19), explaining that Jesus foretold His death and resurrection. We would do well to pay attention to this. In a day when the gospel message is often assumed, it is good to be reminded of the centrality of Jesus’ atoning work for sinners like you and me.