Read Matthew 16:1-12
I Already Answered This Question.
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus to test him. Jesus was obviously a great threat to these two groups of “religious leaders” because they hated each other. They were enemies. They argued often over the interpretation of Scripture. So the fact that they were scheming together to find fault in Jesus, shows how much they were willing to set aside their differences just so they could destroy Jesus.
They asked Jesus for a sign in order to prove he was the chosen one. How blind they must have been for Jesus had already given so many signs through miracles, yet it wasn’t enough. Their arrogance kept them blind to how much Jesus was fulfilling Old Testament prophecies proving who he was.
Jesus responded, “You know the signs of the weather when the sky is red in the morning or red in the evening, but you’re blind to all the signs I’ve given proving I am who I say I am.” Jesus went on to say, I’m not going to give you a sign “except the sign of Jonah.” When I read this I wondered why Jesus didn’t explain himself, but come to find out, the Pharisees and scribes had already asked the same question before in Matthew 12. Jesus gave them the same exact answer about Jonah. But in chapter 12, he did explain himself. He explained that just as Jonah was 3 days in the belly of the fish, so will the son of God be three days and 3 nights in the Heart of the Earth. Jesus was speaking of his coming death and Resurrection, and judgment toward those who did not repent, including the Pharisees, Scribes, and now the Sadducees as well. Jesus didn’t expound this time because he didn’t need to. He expounded on it once, they knew what he meant the second time.
It’s amazing what people will do when they are opposed by others. It’s amazing to see what level of evil one will do to protect their pride or if they feel threatened in their popularity. They will lie, cheat, scheme, hurt, and even kill those they are threatened by. Jesus is the perfect example of one who is schemed against, but such behaviors are still prevalent today.
I pray we can and will recognize the truth of Jesus and then stand up for it rather than be one who opposes it because of wanting to defend our evil behaviors and choices. If we are walking in sin, let us repent of the sin. If we are attacked for our faith may we persevere!
