15 June 2021 – Matthew 12:40 (NIV)
Scripture
40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Reflection
The sad irony behind Jesus’ reply in today’s verse is the fact that Jesus just performed a significant miracle (Luke 11:29-32), and yet the religious leaders asked Jesus for a miraculous sign (Matt. 12:38) indicating they rejected the many signs given so far by Jesus. And for Jesus to answer them as seen in verse 40, Jesus is declaring the religious leaders already rejected him. Because for Jesus to fulfil this sign (to be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth), He would have to be rejected, die, and be buried. And by the time this sign would be accomplished, it would be too late for the religious leaders to accept His right to rule over the nation as King. By comparing it to Jonah, Jesus was also contrasting the difference that 1) a pagan city (Nineveh) believed when 2) a prophet told them the truth and now 1) the religious leaders refuse to believe even though 2) Jesus the Messiah himself tells them the truth.
We today have this miraculous sign of the cross and everything it embodies. Let this sign of ultimate love continues to propel you to believe in the truth and the person of Jesus Christ and don’t allow the devil to sow doubt in your mind.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in your current situation
Prayer
“I thank you, Lord, for Your beautiful, multicultural, intergenerational family. Revive and sanctify us once again we pray. Forgive our many sins and make us holy. Set our hearts on fire again with the good news of Your gospel.”