Signs

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. (Matthew 12:38-42 ESV). The resurrection provides the cornerstone of our faith. It is unique among all the other religions of the world. While many religions have beliefs about their leaders ascending into heaven, or being divine, none have resurrection as a part of their faith. It is a sign without parallel. So many people crave a sign today. Psychic readers and seers experience booming business. Jesus teaching in our reading today emphasizes the importance of this event. It is the real sign and yet some do not believe. Jonah came back from a watery grave. A great fish swallowed him. Jonah was no tasty dish. The fish vomited Jonah on dry land. It was a sign. God sent this prophet to preach to the people of ancient Nineveh. They all took notice. They all turned to God. Jesus likened his impending resurrection to the return of Jonah. Thomas doubted. “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe"? (John 20:25). When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas had one response. "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). The sign of the resurrection awakened Thomas from the slumber of unbelief. How does Easter effect your life? What difference does it really make? Our faith has become so ordinary for so many Christians. The truth is that it is the most important piece of our existence. When the truth of the Gospel settles in your life, it transforms everything within your life. Tragically we so often forget to notice that daily transformation as the work of Christ settles into our soul. Let the wonder of this day settle into your soul and transform your life. It begins with a simple prayer of repentance and surrender to the will and purpose of God. It will end with the glorious transformation of your life into an eternal, immortal child of God!