As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgement with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now one greater than Solomon is here. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here.”
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At the beginning of the last section, after the religious leaders charged Jesus with driving out demons by Beelzebub, Luke records that others “tested him by asking for a sign from heaven”(11:16).
Apart from the fact this request was given as a “test,” it could almost sound reasonable. After all, a “sign” points out true direction, making the pathway clear. Wouldn’t Jesus want to provide that?
Indeed, there is good precedent for signs being given to strengthen faith in Old Testament times. When Abraham questioned God’s promise of descendants as numerous as the stars, the Lord gave him a confirming sign (Genesis 15). Gideon received the same when he placed a fleece before the Lord (Judges 6:36-40).
So, couldn’t this request be legitimate?
No, simply because, unlike Abraham’s and Gideon’s requests, this one doesn’t proceed from a timid faith that needs strengthening, but rather proceeds from rank unbelief. The ones asking have already decided that Jesus’ ministry is aligned with Satan. That’s a position firmly rooted in no faith at all.
Jesus rightly rebukes those making this request. Indeed, he broadens the scope to include all those in that generation who were privileged to experience his ministry but refused to believe.
Yet he affirms they will indeed receive a sign. Not immediately, as they are requesting. But a more powerful sign than they could have ever expected, what Jesus describes as “the sign of Jonah.”Although Luke doesn’t expand the idea, Matthew does in his Gospel (Matthew 12:40). Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale for three days and nights, so Jesus tells them in advance that he himself will be “in the heart of the earth” for that same timeframe (using a Semitic idiom, “days and nights,” that refers to 24-hour blocks of time, or any portion thereof). He’s referring to his death and subsequent resurrection.
The sign is not guaranteed to compel belief, but it will certainly make those experiencing it accountable – they will be liable to judgement. Indeed, both the Queen of the South and the people of Jonah’s day will rise up to condemn those of Jesus’ own, because “one greater” than either Solomon or Jonah is now present among them.
This condemnation will be confirmed as Jesus’ story continues to unfold. Coming face to face with the reality of Jesus’ resurrection, the Pharisees and teachers of the law (together with many others in that generation) will refuse to believe, solidifying their opposition to Jesus, and hence coming under judgement.
But wonderfully, the story doesn’t end there. The grace of God is at work. In the days following the outpouring of the Spirit, thousands will come to saving faith in Jesus through the preaching of the Apostles, presumably including many who were included in this “wicked and adulterous generation.” Not only that, but even “a large number of priests (will become) obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
The sign was given, strong and sure. Judgement rested on those who refused to see. But grace softened even some of the hardest hearts.
And the story continues still.
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Praise you, Lord Jesus, for your resurrection. Praise you for life in all its fullness, extended by your grace. May grace touch more and more. Please use even me.
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Pray:
Consider how grace can touch even some who seem so hard. Do you know someone in that category? Pray for resurrection grace to touch them.
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Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash
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