Signs of the Times
Scripture: Matthew 16:1-4 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)
1 One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. 2 He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow; 3 red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.’ You know how to interpret the weather signs in the sky, but you don’t know how to interpret the signs of the times! 4 Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign, but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah.” Then Jesus left them and went away. (Matthew 16:1–4 NLT)
The Pharisees and the Sadducees didn’t like working together, but as the two major denominations in Judaism, there were times they found themselves on the same team, even if for different reasons. The Pharisees were the party of morality and the Laws of Moses and the hundreds of ritual laws and practices. They were educated in their religion and were rabbis, synagogue leaders, scribes, and Jewish lawyers. The Sadducees were the party of wealth and power. The Chief Priest and most of the Temple authorities were of the Sadducee party. Because Temple, Inc. was important to both parties and because they jointly had to maintain the delicate balance of power between Temple Judaism, Herod’s puppet Kingdom, and the Roman Emperor’s authority, anyone who threatened to rock the boat was of great concern.
Both the Pharisees and Sadducees wanted Jesus to give them a sign that he was the real deal! He was always talking Kingdom of Heaven talk, his following was growing among the “common” people, and he seemed completely unconcerned about the danger of disturbing the delicate dance between Judaism, Herod, and Rome. They wanted to see a sign to prove he was God’s Messiah, or they wanted him dead!
They wanted him to call fire from the sky, or something tangible to assure them he could make Israel great again! Jesus just kept healing the sick, setting people free from Satan, restoring sight to the blind and making the crippled whole. “Where are all the healed people?” “I sent them home.” “Show us the food you multiplied!” “We ate it!” Then Jesus left them and went away.
Prayer:
Father, Sometimes I find myself wanting a “sign,” wanting you to remove all doubt and make everything simple and clear. And quickly! Sometimes my faith journey is hard and slow and confusing. But I believe! I believe Jesus is Savior and Lord! Amen.