The Sign of the Son
Opening Prayer
Pray for the Spirit’s wisdom to help you understand God’s Word. Pray for his power to help you live that Word.
Read LUKE 11:29-36
[29] As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. [30] For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. [31] The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. [32] The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here. [33] “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. [34] Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. [35] See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. [36] Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why was that such a "wicked generation"?Jesus has performed an exorcism (14), a sign of the kingdom he inaugurated, but the skeptics remain unconvinced, demanding further proof (16). Those who hear and obey God’s word are declared “blessed” (28) by Jesus, but those who persist in their refusal to recognize and respond to the signs already before their eyes are called “a wicked generation” (29a). The only sign they will receive is not a healing or an exorcism, but the “sign of Jonah” (29b). It was through his preaching that Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites; in response the people of Nineveh repented (32) and so escaped God’s judgment. Similarly, it was through his proclamation of God’s Kingdom in word and deed that the Son of Man would be a sign (30).
“The same sun that melts the ice only hardens the clay” (Warren Wiersbe). Jesus brings salvation, but, by his very coming, those who reject him invite judgment upon themselves (31,32; also John 3:16-20). The sign of the Son of Man points to God, and God’s Kingdom, demanding a change of mind, heart and lifestyle. Those who have truly received the light cannot continue to walk in darkness (34,35).
Apply
God’s Word is like a signpost that points us in the right direction. Where is God’s Word pointing you today?
Closing prayer
Lord, I want to be one who not only has the light You give, but lives in that light for all to see.
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