The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:38–40
Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh because he had experienced (in the great fish) “death,” burial, and resurrection. The only sign Jesus would give to His nation was death, burial, and resurrection. The messages in the first seven chapters of Acts center on the resurrection of Christ, not on His death on the cross.
The Jews of that day believed that He had died, for this was the chief topic of conversation (Luke 24:18). But they did not believe that He was alive (Matt. 28:11–15). In Acts 2–7, the Holy Spirit gave to the nation of Israel abundant witness that Jesus was alive. This was the only sign they needed. 1
Personal Encouragement
Always remember that the greatest sign we have as believers is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Look to Jesus and be saved, healed, and empowered.
For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22–24
Do you seek a sign, or are you content with just seeking Jesus?
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for being completely sufficient for every one of my needs.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
