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Matthew 16:1-4
In this passage, the religious leaders of the day have arrived on the scene to test Jesus, to get him to prove that he is who he says he is. Show us a sign, a supernatural event, to prove it, they say. Jesus responds by calling out their ability to read the signs of a coming storm, yet they are unable to read the signs of the times.
And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 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. 4 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.
Matthew 16:1-4
By asking for a sign, the leaders reveal their unbelieving hearts. Jesus points them to the only sign given- the death, burial, and resurrection of Jonah, which proved to Nineveh that Jonah’s message was true. In the same way, Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection proves his message is true. He is the greater sign. Jesus is the shown sign to save the world.
Discussion Questions
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
In this passage, the religious leaders of the day have arrived on the scene to test Jesus, to get him to prove that he is who he says he is. Show us a sign, a supernatural event, to prove it, they say. Jesus responds by calling out their ability to read the signs of a coming storm, yet they are unable to read the signs of the times.
And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 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. 4 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.
Matthew 16:1-4
By asking for a sign, the leaders reveal their unbelieving hearts. Jesus points them to the only sign given- the death, burial, and resurrection of Jonah, which proved to Nineveh that Jonah’s message was true. In the same way, Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection proves his message is true. He is the greater sign. Jesus is the shown sign to save the world.
Discussion Questions
- What are you an expert in reading …the weather, market, traffic flow, or sports? What is your method?
- What does Jesus mean when He calls that generation "an evil and adulterous generation"? How can we avoid running after other things rather than Jesus?
- How does Jesus’ refusal to give a sign challenge your own faith? Are there times when you seek signs before trusting God?
- What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in God?
- How can this example of Jesus, in responding to their disbelief, help you in conversations with those who doubt or question your faith?
D&A (Discipleship & Accountability)
Break up into smaller groups for prayer.
- How is your time with God?
- What are you praying for?
- What are you struggling with?
- Who are you praying for to know Jesus?
- What gospel conversations have you had this week with someone who doesn’t follow Jesus?