Matthew 16:1-4 ESV And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Him they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So He left them and departed.
God reveals himself to those that honestly and earnestly seek Him. On the other hand He refuses to allow people to dictate to Him or try to control or manipulate Him.
Jesus gave sign after miraculous sign that should have been ample proof that He was the promised Messiah. Anyone truly wanting assurance that Jesus was the Christ did not lack opportunity. The Pharisees and Sadducees that asked for a sign were not really seeking confirmation. They just wanted to take control of the situation and manipulate Jesus into obeying their whims.
Jesus did not refuse to give them a sign. He refused to give them the sign they demanded. He told them exactly what proof He would give them. As Jonah was in the fish’s belly for three days and then released, Jesus would be in the grave for three days before resurrecting. Rising from the dead should be adequate proof for any skeptic. Sadly, it is unlikely any of these men asking for a sign were convinced by the sign God did provide.
Even till now God still reveals Himself to those who seek Him. This morning I had the awesome privilege of witnessing God reveal Himself to about eight young adults in our church. The Holy Spirit took over the service during the worship and our pastor followed His lead. Instead of the sermon he had prepared, the pastor gave an old-fashioned gospel presentation with a clear teaching on the only two possible destinations awaiting every person.
When the sermon was over the pastor made an altar call and about eight young people came forward. God gave each of them a sign this morning and they responded.
Lord God, You are awesome! Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for revealing Yourself to those who want Your truth!