Tag: sign from heaven
“Who do you say that I am?”
Scripture reading for January 22nd: Matthew 16
“The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.” (Matthew 16:1) The religious people of Jesus’ time struggled with the miracles and teaching of Jesus. They were not satisfied with His teaching from Scripture or His miraculous power. They had attributed the power to Beelzebub and now wanted more proof that He was from God. Jesus spoke plainly to them about their ability to discern the weather from looking at the clouds but their failure to believe His miracles! “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Jesus then left them and went away.” (Matthew 16:4)
These leaders had Jesus right in front of them and had seen miracles and heard Him teach with authority. The only sign that would be given them was the sign of Jonah. Jesus spoke of this same sign earlier when He explained that, “as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man would be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40) He spoke of His death, burial and resurrection as a primary sign of who He was: The Son of Man!
Later, Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Knowing who Jesus really is comes from revelation! Revelation comes from a humble and teachable heart that seeks truth. Settle the question in your own heart today! Quit seeking signs and believe the Word of God! Jesus rose from the grave and is alive today!