Sign of Jonah
Matthew 12:38-42 (ESV)
The Sign of Jonah
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. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation Question
In verses 43-45, what warning does Jesus give about spiritual emptiness and what happens if it is not filled?
Interpretation Questions
Why does Jesus call the generation “evil and adulterous” for seeking a sign, and what does this reveal about their hearts?
How is the resurrection of Jesus a greater sign than all the miracles he performed before?
What does the response of the people of Nineveh and the Queen of the South teach us about who is open to God’s work?
What is the difference between surface-level change and true repentance?
Application Questions
The Pharisees ignored the obvious signs because it threatened their sense of control. Are there areas in your life where you might be intentionally ignoring what God is doing because it would require you to change or let go of control? What would it look like to surrender that area to God?
Jesus says the only sign we need is his resurrection. Are you ever tempted to ask God for more proof or a different kind of sign before you trust or obey him? What would it look like to respond to the sign he’s already given?