“An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:39-40)
Jesus had done many signs and miracles, but many people just didn’t want to believe in Him. They kept denying that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Some even claimed that His supernatural power came from Satan.
At one point, when they were asking for another sign, Jesus didn’t give them any. He just told them that they would get “the sign of the prophet Jonah”. This prophet spent three days in the belly of a great fish, as recorded in the Bible book named after him. Jesus said that He would spend three days in the heart of the earth. By these words, He foretold His own death and resurrection. He knew what would happen to Him and He was ready to lay down His life for sinful humans.
The end of Matthew’s book records that Jesus’ words came true. He was crucified and buried in a tomb, but after three days He rose again. This is the ultimate “sign” Jesus did on earth, proving that He has power over death and that He is almighty, omniscient and full of love and grace.
Do you believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God?