171009 5 – Matthew 12:38-42
Matthew 12:38-42
³⁸Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”
³⁹But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; ⁴⁰for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
⁴¹The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
⁴²The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
Sermon
Religious Sign-Seekers — C. Lankester, B. A.
Note …
I. THAT THE DEMAND FOR ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES GENERALLY COMES FROM THOSE ALREADYPOSSESSED OF VERY MANY.
It were the scribes and Pharisees that made this request, not the publicans.
II. GOD NEVER GIVES ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES WHEN THOSE POSSESSED ARE NOT USED.
Christ refused this demand
- because it was merely an excuse for their rejection of Him;
- because it was a reflection on Him;
- because it bore no proof of earnestness;
- because God’s past dealings afforded all the proof requisite.
III. FAILURE TO USE ALL THE ADVANTAGES WE POSSESS CAN ONLY ISSUE IN CONDEMNATION.
The Ninevites would condemn the Jews. The ministry of Jonah was brief, wrathful, that of a sinful man. Christ’s ministry was longer, and that of the Holy Son of God.
The Queen of Sheba would condemn them.
- She came to see and hear out of curiosity.
- She came from afar.
- She came uninvited.
- She came on a mere report.
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