The Sign:

Context:

• Jesus cast out a demon.
• The authority and power of Jesus were on display.
• The authority and power of the Pharisees didn’t compare.
• The Pharisees accused Jesus of operating demonically.
• Jesus gives a brief description of demonic activity in people.

Luke 11:29-32 “...When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 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...”

Matthew 12:39-42 “...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...”

Why is it an evil and adulterous generation that seeks a sign?

• Evil would imply actions inconsistent with the goodness of God.
• Adulterous would imply unfaithfulness.
• When people start telling God what He should do, they have moved from faithful good to unfaithful evil.

What sign had already been given?

• Jesus had done many, many miracles that were clear evidence of His Authority.
• Jonah spending three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish was good enough evidence for the people of Ninevah that Jonah was divinely appointed.

Would there be no other sign given?

• Jesus wasn’t done doing miracles.
• Jesus would be raised after three days and nights in the heart of the earth.

What did the people of Nineveh do that the scribes and Pharisees were unwilling to do?

• Repent.

Why are people reluctant to repent?

• Pride. Arrogance. Haughtiness. Self satisfaction. Ignorance.

What is the result of failure to repent?

• Judgment.

How are people today similar to the scribes and Pharisees?

• They know what they know.
• They don’t know what they don’t know.
• They won’t surrender their position.
• They demand things on their own terms.
• They won’t repent.
• They will be judged.