The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”
Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4 (emphasis mine)
It isn't very easy to confess that there have been times in my life when you could have replaced "Pharisees and Sadduces" with my name. I come to Jesus. I test him and ask him to show me a sign from heaven.
But that is the truth. I've been there. This isn't a confession, though, because the rest of the truth is that I know I'm not the only one. I've spoken to so many youth who all echo this sentiment: they want Jesus to show that He's real, to show that He loves them, to show them a plan. They want a sign
It's amazing to consider two things in Jesus' answer:
1.) If we take a look at what Jesus says, He is letting us know that there are signs. We live and believe in God by faith, but He doesn't want us to live in ignorance. He provides ways to know the times and seasons we live in. We've just become more adept at interpreting other things. For the Pharisees and Sadduces, Jesus gave the example of the weather. I'd say our generation is great at deciphering trends and fads, things that pass away with the wind.
Jesus calls the generation who stands surrounded by signs, yet asking for a sign, wicked and adulterous.
2.) Jesus leaves.
Here were these people asking for a sign from heaven when Jesus was standing in the midst of them. They became so preoccupied with proof, with trying to discredit Him, that they end up seeing nothing but the back of the Messiah, turned to them and walking away.
When Jesus is close enough to ask something of, why would we waste our time asking for a sign? He is the greatest sign there is: the sign of love so big it died for us, a sign of hope, a sign of an eternity nearer than we think, a sign of power, grace, justice, healing, salvation, deliverance, and redemption.
We are surrounded by the signs of an almighty and living God. Let's learn to listen when God speaks, to see His face when it is turned to us, so that we never have to see Him walking away.
