Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law answered Jesus. They said, "Teacher, we want to see you do a miracle as a sign (proof)." Jesus answered, "Evil and sinful people are the ones that want to see a miracle for a sign (proof). But no miracle will be given as a sign to those people. The only sign will be the miracle that happened to the prophet Jonah. Jonah was in the stomach of the big fish for three days and three nights. In the same way, the Son of Man will be in the grave three days and three nights."
— Matthew 12:38-40 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus is not a performer. He will not allow his ministry to be reduced to a sideshow. He ministers out of compassion and concern for people. He will not work a miracle to prove who he is. His previous miracles are testimony enough to his legitimacy. If they won't believe those miracles, if they can assign those mighty works to the power of Satan, then they will not believe a new one. Jesus will give no miracle on demand. Faith is about trusting in what he has done. Faith is the bottom line. Faith will always have mystery and be susceptible to doubt. More proof, more miracles, will not remove that doubt if the basic issue is faith. If hearts are hardened to him, if hearts are not looking to believe, if hearts are wanting to condemn and ridicule, then faith is lost. It's not an issue of facts, truth, or reason; it's a matter of an "evil and unbelieving heart."
Today's Prayer
Holy God, give me an honest heart of faith. Help me see Jesus for who he truly is. Take my faith and make it stronger and richer. Use my life to serve you and bring others to know your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Hebrews 11:1 & 6
- 2 Corinthians 5:7-10
- John 7:16-17
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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