Matthew 12
“Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” This is what the scribes and the Pharisees in today’s gospel asked Jesus. I wonder why they asked for another sign from Jesus. They had already heard and seen his deeds of power. Still, they asked for a sign. Why? To make sure that Jesus was the Messiah? To have faith in him? It’s not easy for me to discern their mind. However, one thing we know is this: they did not have faith in Jesus after all. I think they would not have believed in Jesus even if he had shown them another sign. Because this is not how faith comes about.
We can recall many passages from the gospel books that show how people had faith in Jesus. Jesus proclaimed the Gospel first. People heard him. Those who were open to the truth could tell Jesus was speaking the truth. And they put their trust in him. To many of these people, Jesus granted miraculous healing and cure. They put their faith in him first, and the signs confirmed their faith. It was not signs that brought about their faith. How many times did Jesus tell people, “Have faith” before he showed his deeds of power?
Nevertheless, today, Jesus promises he will give a sign – the sign of the prophet Jonah. This is the ultimate sign of his identity. It is his death and resurrection. Whoever looks for the ultimate meaning of life will recognize this sign. Because this will be the ultimate answer for human existence.
But the Passion and the Resurrection will simple convert people? I don’t think so. Signs are meaningful to those who understand their meanings and to those who look for them.
This is why we still need to preach the Gospel of Christ. There are still people who look for the truth. Christians bear the privilege and duty to preach the Gospel. People will recognize the voice of the shepherd. And they will find his signs. I pray that Christ may take me as his instrument to preach his Gospel. And I hope to see his signs when the time is fulfilled.
