Sign from heaven
By Peter Leithart
The Pharisees and Sadducees ask Jesus for a sign from heaven (Matthew 16:1). The first “signs” in the heavens were the sun, moon, and stars. A sign from heaven is a sign of new creation, and Jesus’ response, alluding to the evening-morning pattern of the creation week, continues the creation symbolism (16:2-3). Later, he promises the Jews a sign from heaven (24:30) in conjunction with with the darkening of the sun, the fading of light from the moon, the fall of the stars (v. 29).
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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