Commentaries on Gospel Events
Pharisees Ask for a Sign
A. D. 29
Magdala
Best I can remember the extent of Jesus' demands on the Pharisees up to this time is to acknowledge him as a prophet (like Jonah) and change their wicked ways (repent); and of course they didn't. My theory is that is step one - being born of water - John's baptism.
Nicodemus appears to have made that step and Jesus went on to tell him he had one more to go, a spiritual rebirth by being cleaned from guilt of all sins by looking to him (Jesus) and his death on the cross as payment.
|
Matthew |
Mark |
|
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
|
Mar 8:10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.Mar 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.Mar 8:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.Mar 8:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.
|