Matthew Study 14: 12:22-50

Dear Student of the Word,

Have you ever asked God for a sign, some kind of confirmation that would let you know without a doubt that He wanted you to do something? Jesus' contemporaries also asked for a sign, but He refused to give them one, except for one. In this week's study, we look at what He promised to provide and how that sign should impact your life. This week I wrote:

v. 38 – The Pharisees were undaunted by Jesus’ assault on their character and spirituality. Next they wanted a sign, something beyond the normal that would confirm in their mind that Jesus was the One. John the Baptist did not ask for a sign; John simply wanted Jesus to reaffirm the truth of who He was. The Pharisees did not believe what Jesus said, so they wanted a sign, promising then at least to consider believing but only after they received a sign.

There were already plenty of signs for the Pharisees to consider but they were mired in unbelief and, contrary to what they thought, no sign at that point would have stimulated their belief in Jesus.

v. 39 – Jesus responded with another scathing attack, referring to those who asked for a sign as a wicked and adulterous generation. The Pharisees asked for the same thing that the devil requested in Matthew 4. He wanted Jesus to put on a show and throw Himself from the pinnacle of the Temple. Jesus refused to perform on demand for the devil and He refused the same request from the Pharisees.

Jesus performed His signs and wonders to meet the needs of people, not to provide documentation for those who were intent on judging His performance. Jesus told them that there would be a significant sign and called it the sign of the prophet Jonah, veiling what He meant to hide it from unbelieving eyes and hearts. He explained the meaning of this sign in the next few verses.

Does it make sense that an unbelieving heart requires a sign and that the sign simply allows control to remain with the observer? By that I mean the one beholding the so-called sign can still accept or reject the sign, still decide whether the sign is “enough” to warrant belief. God is not averse to providing a sign, but it is one of His choosing. Let’s read on.

vs. 40&41 – Of course the sign of Jonah was a reference to Jesus’ impending death and resurrection. That is the sign that the unbelieving generation would receive and, true to form, they would reject that sign. Jesus offers the same sign to our generation and has to every generation since He came, the sign of His resurrection.

God raised Jesus from the dead. If God raises the dead, He can do whatever He promises. If you are looking for a sign to confirm God’s power and authority, that is the sign that God provides. If you are looking for a sign that God is with you, then that is the sign. If you are looking for a sign that God can do what He promised He would do for you, then that is the sign. There is no other, and you should require no other.

If God can raise the dead, He can do anything. Do you act like He can do anything?

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. You can write them or find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.

Download this week's study: Matthew Study 14.doc

Comments

[Nedra]

You write very well.