Signs, Signs Everywhere Signs!

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16 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 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] 4 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.
Jesus had shown both the disciples and the crowds many signs and miracles.  But the Pharisees and Sadducees still tested him by asking for yet another sign.  Jesus knew that if they didn't believe in the other signs what difference would a sign from heaven make. After all healing lepers, demoniacs, and all types of other people who were sick were certainly a sign from heaven.  
Jesus was obviously not against performing signs and miracles as mentioned.  But Jesus was not impressed with those who demanded a sign as a prerequisite of their belief in him.  In another passage in Hebrews the writer says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God." The bible gives many examples of those who saw a remarkable sign and yet refused to believe.  
Finally, Jesus says the only sign which will given except the sign of Jonah.  What were the similarities of Jesus and Jonah?
  1. Jonah offered himself as a sacrifice.
  2. Jonah preached repentance. 
  3. Jonah came back after three days as if he came back from the dead.
Jesus was happy to do signs to show that He was God's own son.  The miracles gave witness to who He was and where He came from.  But ultimately it is faith in the person of Jesus and what He did for us that saves us.  Where is God calling you to trust Him in faith today?  What would it mean for you to trust in God's leading without seeing what the outcome would be?  We look for signs in the weather, or in the stock market, or other leading indicators, but are we aware of what God is doing in this world as we await for Jesus' return.

Jesus has already shown us a sign.  He rose from the dead!  We don't really need any more signs after that!  

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