Signs from Heaven
Opening Prayer
Open my blind eyes so that I may see You, Lord. You are faithful and fully trustworthy to do all You promised.
Read Matthew 16:1-12
[1] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. [2] He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ [3] and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. [4] A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away. [5] When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. [6] “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” [7] They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” [8] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? [9] Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? [10] Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? [11] How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” [12] Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Do you recognize God's activity all around you?Sometimes we think, If only something spectacular would happen, if only God would give me a sign! But God doesn’t work like that–he doesn’t do party tricks on demand.The Pharisees and Sadducees aren’t really interested in finding out who Jesus is, so instead he points them to the Scriptures they claim to know so well. Echoing the Old Testament prophets, Jesus applies the description of God’s unfaithful people–“wicked and adulterous generation”–to them and sends them away to puzzle over the meaning of the “sign of Jonah” (4). The disciples are ready to learn but still don’t get it. “Don’t go looking for the spectacular like the Pharisees,” Jesus warns. “Don’t ask God to live up to your expectations.” Jesus reminds the disciples of two special “signs” they have witnessed recently: the feedings of the 5,000 and 4,000 (9,10). As people willing to believe in Jesus, what signs have we seen recently that reaffirm to us that Jesus is the Lord our God? It is as we do the Father’s will that we see the signs of his presence.
Apply
Recount the promises God has fulfilled in your life. Look around you and see how faithful he has been.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I want the substance of faith that is in things not seen. Forgive me when I look for You to prove Yourself true.
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