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, or 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 miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and demanded a sign from heaven. (Matthew 16:1) They were looking for more compelling proof of Jesus’ divine authority. Jesus did not give them a sign and called them a wicked and adulterous generation who were looking for miraculous signs while not yet understanding how to interpret the signs of the kingdom of God that were at hand. Kingdom people have a revelation of the times, a revelation that comes from the Holy Spirit, who reveals truth. As kingdom people walking in an understanding of the times, we are able to offer hope and light to those who have not had Jesus and His truth revealed to them. Kingdom people understand the “spiritual climate” of the times and are able to walk in the assurance that God is always with them. The Pharisees demanded a sign. Kingdom people do not need a sign. God has poured out His love into kingdom hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) and as seasons of their lives and events in the world come and go, their hearts are able to continue trusting God.
Are you like the Pharisees demanding that God give you a sign?
Have you been praying and hoping for something and your prayers have turned from trust to demanding a sign from God? After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to Thomas who had questioned his resurrection and told the Apostles that he would only believe it when he actually saw the nails in Jesus’ hands: Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. (John 20:29) So often we are like Thomas, demanding a sign, and yet the Lord tells us that often we must believe first and then we will see.
Heavenly Father,
Open up my eyes to see You at work. Enable me to believe before I see and to walk in the assurance that You are always at work.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
