Matthew : Season 6 - Week 6

WestGate Church Teaching

The conflict continues between the Pharisee leaders and Jesus, culminating here with the leaders asking for a “miraculous sign” to prove to them that Jesus was really from God. Other places in the Bible, people ask for signs to help their tremulous faith, and God (gladly) obliges. Abraham, Gideon, and Joshua come to mind. But Jesus knows this is not a request done in good faith, and He’s not a circus performer doing tricks. He tells them no sign will be given, then backs up and says, “Well, one sign will be given: the sign of Jonah.” Here, Jesus not only foreshadows His own death and resurrection (which would be dramatic signs of His Divine nature) but He also locates Himself among a group of people in the Old Testament called the prophets. These are people who called God’s people back to the love of God, but whose message was either received with gratitude and humility - or provoked murderous hatred. SPEAKERS: David Tieche (Saratoga), Finny Abraham (South Hills) Bible Passages): Matthew 11:39-50