The Sign Of Jonah (Matthew 16:4)

 


Wednesday, 22 October, 2025


Psalm 118:1-18

2 Kings 6:24-7:2

Matthew 16:1-12


The Sign Of Jonah (Matthew 16:4)


[Jesus said] “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.


I wonder if we make hearing God just a bit too complicated. If, because we do not have a clear instruction manual like one you would find in a Lego kit, we think God’s communication to us is somehow mysterious, requiring some special religiosity to be able to understand.


Jesus replies to those asking him for a sign by pointing out just how obvious God is being to us. He refers to that saying “red sky at night, sailor’s (or shepherd’s) delight; red sky in the morning, sailors (or shepherds) take warning.” If we all know this one, how can we find it so difficult to understand what God is saying?


So what is God saying? Well, he has given us a sign: the sign of Jonah. That was a pretty obvious one, but it wasn’t the one we hoped for. It was: God’s judgement has come upon you for your wickedness; repent and place your trust in the one true and living God; and he will show you mercy and forgiveness.


What difficult decision are you trying to make at the moment? Are you trying to discern God’s will in that process? How might the sign of Jonah point you towards God’s purposes for you?


God of mercy, forgiveness and steadfast loving-kindness: turn our hearts towards you, that we may live our lives in accordance with your divine wisdom, and enjoy your blessed fellowship forever.

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