Matthew 12:38-42 The Sign of Jonah

A sign is an earthly event that points to a heavenly reality. In this case, the Pharisees wanted a sign from Jesus to have him confirm to them that he was really the Messiah. In most cases signs are granted to those who believe and need a confirmation, but rarely is a sign granted to skeptics (evil and adulterous generation) so that they might believe. The sign that Jesus recalls for them is the sign of Jonah who spent three days and three nights in the belly of a great fish as a sign of the soon to come death and resurrection of the Son of Man. The Ninevites would condemn the Pharisees because they repented at Jonah’s preaching. And Jesus is greater than Jonah!

Jesus brings up another character who will condemn the Pharisees at the judgment: the queen of the South. “She came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon.” And Jesus assures them that something greater than Solomon is before them. The Pharisees reluctance to accept Jesus as Messiah despite all the signs he performed before their own eyes is a sign of their own unbelief. Jesus was not about to cater to their unbelief by performing special signs for them. He expected them to perceive the signs already given. He expected them to respond like the Ninevites and like the queen of the South.

Many today, like the Pharisees, are still asking for a sign from God to know if they should give up their ways and follow Jesus. Many still like to cut deals with God: “If you grant me this one thing, I will follow you.” The signs are already before us and the deal has already been cut in Jesus Christ our Lord. To follow Jesus is to be able to read the signs of the times and respond with repentance and pursuit of his wisdom.

Father, grant me the sensitivity to see the signs of the times and to respond appropriately with a heart of repentance and pursuit of your wisdom. Take away my unbelief and fill be with trust and obedience.

Matthew 27:45-56 The Death of Jesus

Jesus' death was not a conventional execution. It was an extraordinary moment in history marked by natural and supernatural events. As Jesus bears the sin of all humanity, darkness covers the earth for at least three hours. It is a testimony through nature of God's judgment and wrath, even displeasure with the sin of humanity that is upon Jesus. Jesus is carrying my sin upon himself at the cross and suffered the forsakenness of the Father for me. His cry to the Father expressing this abandonment was a testimony to all bystanders of what was taking place. The Father's wrath was unleashed upon his own Son for my sin and those of all humanity.

Jesus gives his life at the ninth hour. It is believed that the Jews offered the evening sacrifice at the ninth hour when Jesus exhaled his last breath and yielded his spirit to the Father. The parallels between the sacrificial lamb and the sacrifice of Christ cannot be missed. He is the lamb that was slain for my iniquities. He gives his life voluntarily, no one takes it from him. Jesus took my place and paid the penalty for my sin so that I can have life in him today. Hallelujah!

Earthquakes were not uncommon in the area of Palestine, but to have an earthquake at the ninth hour combined with the splitting of rocks and the opening of tombs is just out of this world. There is some speculation about those who experienced resurrection at Jesus' death. Some believe that they were raised from the dead like Lazarus; others think they were raised with glorified bodies as a testimony to the promise of resurrection for all believers. Whether they died again or were taken up into heaven at the ascension is not really important. The important thing is that there was a supernatural testimony to all the bystanders that what took place was not a common execution.

Add to all these events the tearing in two of the temple curtain. This curtain was between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. It is here where the ark of the covenant is kept and the place where God used to make his presence known. No one was allowed to walk into the Holy of Holies except the high priest once a year to offer atonement for the people. The tearing of this curtain signifies that the presence of God is no longer to be confined to that place. Due to sin being paid for, the presence of God can manifest anywhere without restrictions. I am the temple of the Holy Spirit thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

All these things led to one conclusion: "Truly, this was the Son of God!" If anyone had missed the reality of his identity, all these details proved whom he claimed to be. My faith is strengthened by these testimonies. Jesus is the Son of God. He was not a liar nor a lunatic. He is the Lord!

Father, grow my faith day to day to trust and obey your Son. Thank you for the awesome work of redemption on the cross. Fill my heart with awe at what took place there. May you fill me with the hope of resurrection glory.

Matthew 20:17-19 Jesus Foretells His Death

Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem and informs his disciples that his death awaits him there. I am not sure that I would have the courage to continue my journey. For sure, we all are on our way to Jerusalem because death awaits us all, but to know the kind of death that awaits you is another thing. Jesus pressed on knowing the kind of death he would suffer.

His knowledge was not limited to his death, but he was very aware that death would not keep a grip on him. He also announced his resurrection to his disciples. The Scriptures tell us that for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross. The joy of knowing that death could not hold him. The joy of knowing that through his death he offered life to all humanity. The joy of going back to the Father where he came from. Suffering is bearable when there is hope of a better future. Hope gives us joy and peace in our suffering.

This thought is so appropriate for the season I am living. Lent has begun and it is a time to remember the life and ministry of my Lord culminating with the celebration of his death and resurrection. It is a time to seek God. It is a time to train myself to be closer to him so that I may grow in godliness. It is a time to shed old bad habits that cripple my relationship with God and begin new habits that will promote my spiritual growth.

As Lent unfolds, may I look forward to Easter Sunday. As my Lord was able to press on with life despite his sufferings because of the joy set before him, may I also press on with life knowing the living hope I have in my God and his promises. As he looked forward to his resurrection, may I also look forward to mine with my heart filled with joy and my mind overflowing with peace in the midst of whatever circumstances I am going through today.

Lord, may I seek you during this Lent season with all my heart. Fill me with the hope of the resurrection. May your joy and peace overflow in me every day.