'(38)Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” (39) He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. (40) Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. (41) At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. (42) At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here (Mt. 12:38-42). '
The Scribes and Pharisees demanded a sign and Jesus told them about his coming death and resurrection by using the story of Jonah (Jonah. 2:1). They did not understand that he was the sign. The Jews who fail to seek the truth or convert will be condemned by Ninevites. There are many lessons to be learned from this passage. It is futile to look for spectacular signs (v. 39). What happened to Jonah is similar to the future death and resurrection of Jesus which was a ‘spectacular sign’ the Jewish leaders would miss (v. 40). The preaching of Jesus is important and should lead to repentance (v. 41). the Gentiles are sometimes more receptive than Jews to God’s messengers (vv. 41-42). We should seek divine wisdom. Women can be more committed in seeking wisdom (v.42). Jesus is greater than the prophets and wise men like Solomon (v. 42).
Almighty God, help us to seek you with our whole heart and not look for signs and symbols that cannot lead us to salvation. Grant us the grace to stay focused on Christ crucified and not be distracted by the tendencies of our intellect to fit you into what we conceive. Fill our hearts with your divine wisdom so that we may then understand with our intellect what you have prepared for all who love you. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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