“Jesus show us a sign in heaven”
Matthew chapter 16 verses 1 to 4
When I read about the interaction between Jesus, the Pharisees and the Sadducees I often see an image of the press surrounding an individual seeking comment.
Here we have another encounter between the Pharisees, the Sadducees and Jesus. This time they want a sign in heaven, “Jesus show us a sign in heaven.”
He has something of a relationship with them although it doesn't seem cordial. He replies “You look to the sky and if it is red you say it will be a fair day and in the morning you look again and you see it overcast and you say it will be stormy. So you read the weather yet you don’t read the signs of the times.”
He walks away saying that the only sign there will be is the sign of Jonah.
You may have a recollection of Jonah and the whale. One of those bible stories that works well with kids but often gets lost on adults. Jonah was given a job he didn't want to do so he tried to avoid it by jumping on a ship. While on the ship a storm blew up and he ended up in the sea. Somehow he was rescued by a whale in which he remained for 3 days and 3 nights. During this time he came to realise whether he wanted to do the job or not it was his job to do so he did it.
It is the three days and three nights in the belly of the fish that are key to understanding the sign of Jonah. Jesus spent three nights in the grave before his resurrection. Death swallowing him up conjures up the image of the whale swallowing Jonah.
That notion of death being swallowed has echoes of 1 Corinthians 15 54 -55,
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
King James Version (KJV)
Although as I read it I see that death is being swallowed.
It reminds me of an elderly friend who once said to me, “If the bible told me Jonah swallowed the whale I would believe it.”
It could be understood that Jesus was answering their question but not in their timing. I guess after his death and alleged resurrection they would have recalled this conversation and the sign of Jonah.
I leave you with the questions I ask myself,
What signs are we looking for in our lives about ourselves, others and God?
If we reflect can we now see an answer that we didn't see before?
g
PS If you wish to read the Bible passage click on the link below
