Reflecting the Image

Scripture

Matthew 16:1–4

Matt. 16:1   The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test Jesus 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 asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away. (NRSVUE)

Observation

The religious leaders were continually testing Jesus and trying to back Him into a corner. They certainly did not believe that He was the Messiah, and yet Jesus refused to play their game. Instead, He often left them scratching their heads, forced to wrestle with what they had seen and heard.

Jesus reminded them that they had learned to read the signs that helped them predict the weather. Then, with what almost sounds like a touch of sarcasm, He said, “but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

These were men who had spent their lives studying the Scriptures. They were the ones who should have recognized that what they were witnessing was the fulfillment of prophecy. The signs were already all around them—and yet they wanted another one.

Jesus’ words are severe. He calls them “an evil and adulterous generation.” Adultery was language the prophets had long used to describe God’s people when they became unfaithful to Him. Here were religious leaders who knew the Scriptures and claimed faithfulness to God, yet they could not recognize the One to whom the Scriptures had been pointing.

They wanted a sign.

Maybe they wanted something spectacular—some kind of miraculous demonstration performed especially for them. Jesus refused. The only sign they would receive was the sign of Jonah.

What could that mean?

Just as Jonah had spent three days in the belly of the fish, Jesus would enter into death and rise again. The greatest sign imaginable would be given to them, and yet even then, some would see without understanding.

They wanted a sign when the Messiah was standing right in front of them.

So Jesus left them.

And they missed the grand story of God unfolding before their very eyes.

Application

But we want a sign!

We want the spectacular.

A few weeks ago, a pastor asked me to preach on a Sunday and join the series he was preaching throughout the summer on the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene. He asked whether I would preach on Article IV, “The Holy Scriptures.”

I confess—I forgot that I had agreed to preach that sermon. In the middle of a very busy week that included two district assemblies, I suddenly realized I also needed to write a new sermon.

Or maybe I should say that I was privileged to write a new sermon, because the Lord spoke to me through that preparation.

The Lord challenged my understanding of Scripture and prevenient grace. For far too long, I had allowed my devotional time to become another item to check off my schedule for the day. The past year had been challenging, and somewhere along the way a precious rhythm had been disrupted.

But as I prepared that sermon, something changed.

I began to see that Jesus is waiting for me every day, right there in the Scriptures.

It’s not about getting a sign.

It’s about knowing Him.

It’s not about asking, “What nugget of truth or blessing can I get from the Word today?” Instead, I open the Scriptures and discover that, in grace, Jesus is already there, patiently waiting for me to spend time with Him.

I don’t need a sign.

I just need Him.

Then someone said to me, “I really miss your blog posts.”

Those simple words stayed with me, and I sensed the Lord telling me it was time to return to this practice—but perhaps a little differently.

I finished my journey through Romans and began preparing Reflecting the Image for a new home. Now I’ve returned to the daily lectionary, allowing the Lord to speak through whatever passages are before me.

When I first began writing the Romans reflections, they took a long time because I found myself consulting numerous commentaries. There is certainly nothing wrong with commentaries, and there is a time and place for serious study. But for this particular practice, I have sensed the Lord inviting me to something simpler: open the Scriptures, slow down, listen, and ask what He wants to say to me today.

No magic.

No spectacular sign.

Just listening.

I’ve even stopped reading these passages on my phone. I’m reading them on paper again, from my leather-bound Bible. There’s something about slowing down, holding the Scriptures in my hands, and making room simply to be with Jesus.

That’s what the Lord has been saying to me. I’m trying to be obedient.

I don’t need a sign.

I just need Him.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for reminding me that the sign of Jonah ultimately points to You. You are all that I need. Give me eyes to recognize You, ears to hear Your voice, and a heart willing simply to sit in Your presence. What a joy it is to meet You in Your Word every day. Amen.