Matthew 12:38-42 An Evil and Adulterous Generation

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the Wisdom of Solomon; and behold something greater than Solomon is here.

In the Bible, faith is the indicator of righteousness and human wisdom the sign of falseness. Jesus’ adversaries were demanding a “sign” that he is the One sent from God. This meant that they did not either recognize or believe he was the Redeemer. For this reason he calls them an evil and adulterous generation. That generation extends even until today. Since the demanded a sign in addition to his many great works, he told them the only sign given them is the Sign of Jonah, which is the crucifixion and his resurrection from the dead, yet another sign many of them will fail to believe.

Daily Prayer: Lord, let me be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then when trouble comes, I will be equipped for the lack of faith found in the world and will have an answer for my faith in you. In your holy name I pray Amen.