Giving signs
Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for seeking signs, but He promises to give a sign, the sign of Jonah. Two observations: First: Signs are given; signs are gifts.
Second, the first time we hear of “giving signs” in the Bible is Deuteronomy 13, which describes Israel’s proper response to a false prophet who attempts to seduce Israel away from Yahweh. Perhaps Jesus is suggesting that the scribes and Pharisees are looking to be seduced; seeking a sign is seeking an occasion for adultery, for following false gods by following a false prophet.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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