Matthew 16:1-4, The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

1And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

Comments

After Jesus withdrew from the Jewish leaders in chapter 15, he headed into Gentile territory. While away, the Pharisees and Sadducees, two groups who did not get along, have formed an unholy alliance to trap him by demanding a sign, yet he had already shown them many. Jesus did not explain the “sign of Jonah”—he already had in chapter 12—and, unwelcomed, he departed. We cannot help but see the contrast between the Gentiles and the religious leaders.

Prayers

Heavenly Father, your will for all people is to come to faith in Jesus. Use me today to be a sign of your love given to the world in Jesus, who fills me with his Spirit and sustains me.