Matthew 16:1-4 (Signs from Christ)

¹ 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. ⁴ 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. 

This is a short but powerful passage in Matthew this morning.  What sticks out to me most is that the Pharisees and Sadducees were on opposing sides when it came to principles and conduct. They had very different beliefs!  YET, when it came to the cause of Christ, they were united in their efforts against Him.

Is that not the truth?  We may really not get along with someone...until we find out that we both dislike the same thing!  Not LIKE the same, but DISlike.  If we can both complain about our tough boss, or the annoying co-worker, or the family member that rubs us the wrong way, then we finally found something in common.  But surely, joining sides over negativity is often a quick spiral downward for both of us -- oh my, how I have been there!  Just imagine if the Pharisees and Sadducees, with all of their scriptural knowledge, could have joined WITH Christ in His efforts to reach lost people.  Can you even imagine the kind of impact and influence they could have had on the world?  Wow!  Yet, God knew this would not be the case.  It's no surprise to Him that they chose the opposite, but let us learn from them that we might be able to serve God and influence the world for His fame in our life times.

The other part of this passage that I want us to see this morning deals with their desire.  They asked Jesus to show them a "sign from heaven."  Scripture says they were testing Him to prove His authority.  Yet, had Jesus not been giving them so many signs?  He fed thousands (twice) with just a couple fish and a little bread; he healed MANY sick and ill people; He turned water into wine!  Yet, these were not what they desired.  They wanted something big and flashy and magical!  I wonder if we have ever done that.  Have any of us asked God for something and He answers us, but not in the big, flashy way we wanted, but in a smaller, quieter answer.  God could certainly do big and flashy if He wanted, but sometimes He also just answers us in the quietedness in our souls.

Jesus answers them that their sign is the sign of Jonah, who was in the belly of a fish for three days and then was released.  Does that remind you of anyone?  The only thing that truly sets Christ apart was His resurrection!  No other "god" or being has conquered the grave, my friends!  THIS is our God!  Why do we need to ask for any other sign than that?  Instead, ask the Lord for more faith, that you might believe it in the depths of your heart.

If we truly understand that magnitude of this, it will change every aspect of our lives.  Lord, we want to believe.  Help us in our unbelief.  May we live for the fame of Your name.