by Barry Newton

A few minutes earlier, the crowd inside the house had marveled and wondered at a man called Jesus.\1 A blind and mute man had been brought before Jesus. Now they too had witnessed what so many others had claimed. Jesus had power to instantly heal. What could this possibly mean? Searching for comprehension, someone had mused aloud, "This man can not be the Son of David, can he?" Soon others had picked up the chorus as the question ricocheted throughout the crowd.

The Pharisees had cut short such Messianic speculation by ascribing Jesus' power to the prince of demons. Jesus retorted that Satan's rule could not stand if it worked against itself. But the scribes and Pharisees were not finished yet. They challenged Jesus to produce a sign.

What would Jesus do? Already he had healed the mute and blind. What sign could he possibly give them now? Would they believe in him if he did produce a sign?

Throughout his ministry, Jesus provided many reasons why people should accept his message and claims. And to the religious leaders who called upon him for a sign, he said they would only be given the sign of Jonah.\2 And what a powerful sign it was! Jesus predicted the length of time he would be in the grave before his resurrection! Three days and nights and then, good-bye grave.

In what Jesus called "the sign of Jonah," we discover the supreme sign of the Father's vindication of his Son. With his resurrection, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power.\3

Can I trust what Jesus taught? Look at the empty tomb. Is Jesus really the Son of God? Remember the resurrection. Can I really believe that heaven is prepared for those who love God? For those who are open to trusting in Jesus provided they are given a good reason, Jesus pointed to his resurrection from the dead.

1/ Matthew 12:23,46
2/ Matthew 12:39-40
3/ Romans 1:4

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