In Luke’s Gospel Jesus says: “29 When the crowds were increasing, Jesus began to say, ‘This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and indeed, something greater than Solomon is here! 32 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and indeed, something greater than Jonah is here’” Luke 11:29-32!
Jonah's work was to call a whole people to recognize their sin and need for God's forgiveness. Jesus is saying, pretty strongly, that something similar is called for now. The questions for each of us in our own lives is this: Do we hear this? How do we react? Jonah was remembered as the prophet who warned his people to repent, and all of them, including the king, heard and heeded him. They seized their opportunity and were ready to be jolted out of their routine.
Lord, You come to us in unexpected and sometimes unwelcome forms.
The Jews who gathered round Jesus failed to recognize the truth He spoke.
May you and I be ready not merely to listen to Your words, Lord, but to shape our life by them.
The sign Jesus refers to is not the mysterious sign of Jonah in the whale’s belly, but the sign of repentance which Jonah preached to the people, and which the Queen of the south with all her finery accepted. They listened to the Word of God; this is the new sign of Jesus. All His works and energy reinforce that His word is true and is the Word of God. All scripture can lead us to repentance – to a change of mind and heart to be more like the heart and mind of Jesus.This is one of the greatest reasons for us to remain in God’s Word each day.
May we all take time today to allow God’s Word to penetrate our hearts and lead us to repent. Make this today’s prayer.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.
From the Bible:
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” Acts 3:19.
“Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
Matthew 4:17.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” 2 Peter 3:9.
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”
Acts 2:38.
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