Matthew 16:4
The Jewish leaders took a calculated risk in this case. They felt fairly certain that Jesus would not grant their request for a sign. However, if he had, they would have been silenced. They felt it worth the risk because they were spurred on by the evil one. Indeed, they probably felt that this was at least a small victory rather than the great defeat that it really was.
These leaders did not understand the significance of the sign of Jonah, nor did the people at large. This is one of the reasons that the sign of Jonah was chosen. It was not possible for their blinded hearts to accept such a sign. Even today, the whale of a tale that is the book of Jonah gets made fun of as far-fetched. Simple faith is required to understand it, and these men had none.
Bible Reading: Proverbs 7:1-9:18
Scripture Memory: 1 John 4:5 “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for another day of life. You have made our lives surprisingly pleasant in spite of our sin. The greatest blessing is knowing You. Without You, our lives would be dark, dreary places. You bring the light of Your Truth to our hearts. Thank You for Your love! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a boy recovering from bronchitis. Pray for a man who is trying to be a witness at work. Pray for a man who was involved in a bad accident. Pray for a man who just came home from the hospital.
Journal Entry #13298