DAY #111: Luke 11;14-36

As if all the heeling's and miracles and sending demons from people were not enough, they asked for a miraculous sign from heaven to see if Jesus really was from God. They felt that they needed something “from heaven” as proof of Jesus’ identity. The irony, of course, is that no matter what kind of sign Jesus might have given, they would have stubbornly refused to believe.

Jesus’ answer to the unbelief was simple; any kingdom at war with itself is doomed, and likewise with a divided home. If Jesus were driving out demons by Satan, then the conclusion would be that Satan is fighting against himself. If that were true, it would mean civil war in the kingdom of evil. No king would throw his own soldiers out of his kingdom; neither would Satan throw his soldiers out of a person they had possessed. Such a kingdom could not stand.

Jesus explained his words with a parable. The line has been drawn. There are two kingdoms—God’s and Satan’s. Satan is active and powerful in the world, but God’s Kingdom is far stronger and will eventually triumph. People cannot be neutral in this matter. Either they choose to side with God, or they do not. That is the meaning of Jesus’ ominous words, “Anyone who isn’t helping me opposes me.” In this battle, if a person is not on God’s side, he or she is on Satan’s.

To further illustrate the danger of attempting to be neutral about him, Jesus explained what can happen to such people. Unfilled and complacent people are easy targets for Satan. Jesus was making a serious point about people’s spiritual destiny—they must make a decision about him. There is no middle ground. Each of us make a decision - we either receive Christ or we reject Him.

After admonishing his listeners to follow him, Jesus clearly described the consequences of not believing him. The request for a sign revealed wicked unbelief. The people had asked Jesus for a sign from heaven to prove that he was from God. Instead of giving a sign (beyond the miracles and heeling's he had performed), Jesus explained that no miraculous sign would be given except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

God had asked Jonah to preach repentance to the Gentiles (non-Jews)—he had been sent by God to the Assyrian city of Nineveh (see the book of Jonah). Jonah preached to the city and saw it repent. With the words, “what happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him,” Jesus was affirming Jonah’s message. Salvation is not only for Jews, but for all people.

The “sign” granted to them may refer to the Resurrection, for Jesus said, “What happens to me will be a sign that God has sent me, the Son of Man, to these people.” Jesus’ resurrection would prove that he was the Messiah. Three days after his death Jesus would come back to life, just as Jonah had been “brought back” to life after spending three days in the fish. Jonah’s presence was a sign to the people of Nineveh; they repented at his teaching. Jesus’ return to his people after his death would also be a sign to the people of his generation. Some would repent; many would not.

The cruel, warlike men of Nineveh, capital of Assyria, repented at the preaching of Jonah—even though Jonah did not care about them. By contrast, Jesus, the perfect Son of God, had come to people that he loved dearly—but they were rejecting him. Thus God’s chosen people were making themselves more liable to judgment than a notoriously wicked nation. The people of that nation will rise up at the judgment and condemn Jesus’ generation.

Jesus next exhorted each person to focus his or her eyes on the light: Jesus himself. The people had requested a sign , but Jesus explained that the light of his perfect life should be enough of a sign.

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

Why are we always looking for a sign? Always looking for a miracle? Always looking for some great show of force? This constant need for God to perform speaks to our immaturity and unbelief. Lord, as I read this morning I am moved to say to You that You don't have to perform one more miracle for me. You have done so much for me. You have blessed me so much beyond whatever I could have deserved. You have come through time after time after time. Even if you don't answer another prayer, still I will follow.

Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him..." Job 13:15 (KJV)

Lord, that is my heart. Raise up mature men and women of God here at COV who don't constantly need a "sign" to keep believing and keep following. Raise up men and women of faith who, day after day, will follow and serve. An Lord, when they grow and mature in their faith, bless them - reward them - provide for them - protect them - make a way for them.