THE SIGN OF JONAH

Passage: Matthew 12:38-42

Key verse: 39

NIV

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Sign-seekers (38-39a)

The Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign to prove his Messiahship. But a sign-seeker never makes a commitment. Jesus called sign-seekers wicked and adulterous. Instead of seeking signs, men should repent.

2. The sign of Jonah (39b-41)

Jesus offers only the sign of Jonah. Jonah, the reluctant prophet, was swallowed by a great fish. After 3 days he came out and preached to the city of Nineveh. The people and even the cattle there repented. Jesus is greater than Jonah. He died for the sins of the world and rose after 3 days in the tomb. He is the sign of God's love. Those who reject this gospel of God's love will be condemned by the people of Nineveh on the day of judgment.

3. Solomon's wisdom (42)

The Queen of Sheba had more spiritual insight than the people of Jesus' time. She recognized even Solomon as a man of God, and came to listen to him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to repent before your word and commit my heart to you.

One Word: Don't be a sign-seeker; repent