Matthew 12:38–50 (NKJV, also appearing in Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-20, 11:24-32)
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”
39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For 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. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.
43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”
Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees again, this time requesting a sign of His power or authority to teach as He was. Jesus responded by telling them that seeking a sign was itself a sign of rebellion and adultery. The only sign they would see would be Jesus resurrection after three days in the earth. Evil people who repented will be more qualified to walk with God in the judgment than these who reject the Savior for the want of a sign. Jesus then explains the plight of one who is delivered from an evil spirit, but then does not guard his or her heart and is then overtaken by multiple spirits. In essence, He is indicting the Pharisees for having the appearance of godliness, but still allowing the evil spirits of the day to cloud their judgment and rule their emotions.
46 While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”
48 But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
While speaking, some of His family members showed up at His meeting, seeking to speak with Him. They were announced, and Jesus used it as an opportunity to explain who is really a part of Jesus family or ministry. Blood relation, like that of the Jews to Jesus, does not qualify one as a part of the family of God. Doing the will of the Father is the true qualification of a family member of Christ. To be a part of the kingdom of God is not a bloodline privilege, but rather a matter of conversion and commitment to the ways of Christ. Jesus fought even those who were blood relatives in His mission to save the world. Don’t be on the wrong side of true religion. Don’t ask for a sign, but sign up to obey the one Who rose again. He is Lord!
Artwork from: https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt.%2012
Devoted To You 