Pt. 1 of this series can be found here.
In Matthew's Gospel, he records the following exchange between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees:
In Matthew's Gospel, he records the following exchange between Jesus and the scribes and Pharisees:
“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, ‘Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.’ But he answered them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”1
This passage is often trotted out in an attempt to show that Jesus expects blind obedience devoid of evidence. But once again, when we look at the context of the passage, this assertion proves wrongheaded.
First, consider that Matthew records that Jesus has already performed numerous miracles at this point. As a matter of fact, this confrontation happens soon after Jesus heals a man’s withered hand (12:9-13) and then delivers a man from demon possession (12:22-23).
Second, at this point, Jesus has been teaching and proclaiming God’s Word for two years. Yet, these religious leaders have consistently rejected both. But then, they demand a sign. However, Jesus knows their heart. He perceives their disingenuous intent, which is why he replied to their request in the manner he did. It was not the request for evidence that Jesus refused, but the corruptness of the heart that lies behind their question.
Third, Jesus never performed miracles to entertain or satisfy the demands of those who were clearly hardened toward His message.2 Jesus' miracles were always purposeful and most often fulfilled a felt need.
First, consider that Matthew records that Jesus has already performed numerous miracles at this point. As a matter of fact, this confrontation happens soon after Jesus heals a man’s withered hand (12:9-13) and then delivers a man from demon possession (12:22-23).
Second, at this point, Jesus has been teaching and proclaiming God’s Word for two years. Yet, these religious leaders have consistently rejected both. But then, they demand a sign. However, Jesus knows their heart. He perceives their disingenuous intent, which is why he replied to their request in the manner he did. It was not the request for evidence that Jesus refused, but the corruptness of the heart that lies behind their question.
Third, Jesus never performed miracles to entertain or satisfy the demands of those who were clearly hardened toward His message.2 Jesus' miracles were always purposeful and most often fulfilled a felt need.
Finally, it seems worth point out that Jesus did assure them that evidence was coming - His resurrection from the dead. They just didn't understand what he meant.
In the end, this passage does not depict a Jesus who shuns evidence or demands blind allegiance, but one who exposes the hypocrisy of those who refuse to believe despite the evidence already given. His miracles had been plentiful and His teaching persistent - yet their hearts remained hard. The sign of Jonah was not a rejection of evidence, but the promise of the greatest evidence yet: His death and resurrection.
Courage and Godspeed,
In the end, this passage does not depict a Jesus who shuns evidence or demands blind allegiance, but one who exposes the hypocrisy of those who refuse to believe despite the evidence already given. His miracles had been plentiful and His teaching persistent - yet their hearts remained hard. The sign of Jonah was not a rejection of evidence, but the promise of the greatest evidence yet: His death and resurrection.
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Footnote:
1. Matthew 12:38-40, ESV.
2. For a biblical example of Jesus refusing to do a miracle for entertainment, see Luke 23:6-12.
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