A Sign from Heaven Please

Bill Henness

Can you really believe what Jesus of Nazareth said? If, after you finish reading this, you have doubts as to whether you can believe this one thing, just think of the hundreds of other statements made by Jesus.

"And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him seeking of him a sign from heaven, testing him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say unto you, there shall no sign be given unto this generation." (Mark 8:11,12)

Now, this statement, recorded by Mark, is pretty clear. There shall no sign be given., However, this is not the end of the subject. According to John there were many signs done to confirm who Jesus was, to that generation.

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these (8) are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (John 20:30,31)

John only records eight signs, however between Matthew, Mark, and Luke there are around 29 other signs that were given. Then after Jesus was gone from the scene there were many more signs given to that same generation.

"And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." (Mark 16:20)

Peter preached that God confirmed Jesus with signs.

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know." (Acts 2:22)

Luke also says the signs were done by the disciples.

"And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people..." (Acts 5:12)

"Then Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was amazed, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:13)

Then if this were not enough conflicting testimony, Jesus himself gave a conflicting statement to his original statement, according to the writer of Matthew.

"Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign, and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet, Jonah; for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matt. 12:38-40)

Brian Worley     June 28, 2009    Ex-minister.org     All rights reserved!