Matthew 12: 38-50

The Sign of Jonah

In response to their request for a miraculous sign, Jesus calls the Pharisees and teachers of the law wicked and adulterous.

1. Review vs 38 and 39

-Why was it so important for the Pharisees and the teachers of the law to see a miraculous sign from Jesus?

-What kind of sign would they have considered a miracle? Why didn't they consider the healing of all diseases and sicknesses, a "miraculous sign?"

-In your opinion, was it really due to a lack of evidence that they did not place their faith in Christ?

-If you were unwilling to submit your life to the King, would it matter what sign you were given?

2. Jesus reminded the Pharisees that the people of Nineveh heard Jonah's message and repented of their sin. He added that the Pharisees were in the presence of someone greater than Jonah and they did not repent.

  He also noted that the Queen of the South listened to the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus added that the Pharisees were in the presence of someone greater than Solomon and they did not listen.

-How would you have responded upon hearing this?

-Will our generation be condemned by those that heard the Message and repented? Will our generation be condemned for not listening to the Message?

(Related reading: Jonah 3:4-10 and 1 Kings 10:1-10, 13)

3. Review vs 43-46

The generation of people that first heard Jesus' message showed much interest in His teachings. However, they chose not to enter the Kingdom of God and their "final condition was worse than the first."

-As we study the message of the King, what has your response been?

-If your response has been to be excited about His miracles and encouraged by His message- but you hardened your heart and haven't invited Him in to occupy it- what will your final condition be?

Jesus Mother and Brothers

Jesus, again, distances Himself from those that appear holy and righteous on the outside. He refers to his true followers as His family- those that are doing the will of our Father.

1. Are you in His family?

2. Or, are you on the outside looking in? Will you be shocked at the day of judgement to see God's true family...from a distance?

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 12: 38-50