A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

THE SIGN OF JONAH      

Matthew 16:1-4 “The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested Him by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.” 

“In the Bible, the word ‘sign’ refers to divine instruments through which God communicates His will, authenticates His messengers, and reveals His power and presence. Signs can be miraculous or every day events that carry spiritual significance. They often point to God’s authority and purpose.” (Bible Hub)  

The Pharisees and Sadducees challenged Jesus to show them a sign. They were aware of the miracles He had already performed. That would mean that feeding large crowds from a small quantity of food, healing the sick, etc. was not good enough. They challenged Jesus to show them a sign that was unique, out of heaven. They were demanding a sign that would prove He was the Messiah. 

In the Old Testament, Joshua had made the sun and the moon stand still. Elijah had prayed to God and God responded by sending fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice he had prepared to show that the Baal was not Yahweh. They demanded that Jesus do something even more spectacular. 

Unbelief always refuses to believe. Jesus, however, acknowledged the one sign, the one miracle from heaven that would proclaim to the world that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus called it the sign of Jonah. Jesus was pointing forward to the time when, after He was crucified, His Father raised Him from death, emptied the tomb into which Jesus’ body had been placed.   

The Pharisees and Sadducees denied Jesus’ resurrection saying His disciples had stolen His body from the grave. St. Paul says, however, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-20) 

Prayer: Thank you, heavenly Father, for bringing Jesus back to life on Easter morning and assuring me that because He lives, I will live also. Amen. 

Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won!   
Death no longer can appall me;  
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!   
From the grave will Christ recall me.  
Brighter scenes will then commence;  
This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! To Him the throne   
High above all things is given.  
I shall go where He is gone,   
Live and reign with Him in heaven.  
God is faithful; doubtings, hence!   
This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! For me He died,  
Hence will I, to Jesus living,  
Pure in heart and act abide,  
Praise to Him and glory giving.  
All I need God will dispense;  
This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! I know full well  
Nothing me from Him shall sever.  
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell  
Part me now from Christ forever.  
God will be my sure defense;  
This shall be my confidence. 

Jesus lives! And now is death  
But the gate of life immortal;  
This shall calm my trembling breath  
When I pass its gloomy portal.  
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense;  
Jesus is my confidence!  

Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won // LSB 490