Signs and Wonders
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January 18, 2004
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January 18 - Matthew 12.38-42
Open It
What are some common uses for signs?
Why do some people say they want to see proof that God exists before they will believe in Him?
In your opinion, what is the strongest evidence for God?
Explore It
Who approached Jesus and demanded a sign? (12:38)
What did a hostile group of people ask Jesus to do? (12:38)
What kind of people did Jesus say asked for additional miraculous signs? (12:39)
How did Jesus respond to the request for a sign? (12:39)
To what proof from history did Jesus point? (12:39-40)
How did Jesus compare himself to Jonah? (12:40)
Who did Jesus say would one day stand and judge his generation? Why? (12:41)
Why will the "men of Nineveh" be in a position to judge? (12:41)
To what example from history did Jesus point as evidence for his identity? (12:42)
How did "the Queen of the South" respond to Solomon? (12:42)
How did Jesus compare himself to Solomon? (12:43)
What example did Jesus use to show the importance of ridding one's life of evil attitudes and filling one's life with love for God? (12:43-45)
What did Jesus warn would happen to those who refused to open themselves up to the Lord? (12:45)
Get It
What acts of God do you feel would strengthen your faith?
What evidence of God is there in your life that could point others to Christ?
What areas of your life need cleansing?
What specific areas of your life need the filling of the Holy Spirit?
Why is it sometimes hard to believe in God without hard evidence?
What are some subtle ways Satan gains a foothold in the lives of Christians?
Why do you think certain "religious" people are sometimes skeptical about God?
Apply It
How can you demonstrate the reality of God in your life today?
In what areas of your life do you need the Spirit of God to fill you this week?
In what area has God already revealed to you that you need to obey Him more faithfully?
NOTES
Matthew 12:38-40 The Pharisees were asking for another miraculous sign, but they were not sincerely seeking to know Jesus. Jesus knew they had already seen enough miraculous proof to convince them that he was the Messiah if they would just open their hearts. But they had already decided not to believe in him, and more miracles would not change that.
Many people have said, "If I could just see a real miracle, then I could really believe in God." But Jesus' response to the Pharisees applies to us. We have plenty of evidence-Jesus' birth, death, resurrection, and ascension, and centuries of his work in believers around the world. Instead of looking for additional evidence or miracles, accept what God has already given and move forward.
Matthew 12:39-41 Jonah was a prophet sent to the Assyrian city of Nineveh (see the book of Jonah). Because Assyria was such a cruel and warlike nation, Jonah tried to run from his assignment and ended up spending three days in a huge fish. When Jonah got out, he grudgingly went to Nineveh, preached God's message, and saw the city repent. By contrast, when Jesus came to his people, they refused to repent. Here Jesus is clearly saying that his resurrection will prove he is the Messiah. Three days after his death Jesus will come back to life, just as Jonah was given a new chance at life after three days in the fish.
Matthew 12:41-42 In Jonah's day, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire, and it was as powerful as it was evil (Jonah 1:2). But the entire city repented at Jonah's preaching. The Queen of the South traveled far to see Solomon, king of Israel, and learn about his great wisdom (1 Kings 10:1-10). These Gentiles recognized the truth about God when it was presented to them, unlike the religious leaders who ignored the truth even though it stared them in the face.
Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus was describing the attitude of the nation of Israel and the religious leaders in particular. Just cleaning up one's life without filling it with God leaves plenty of room for evil to enter. Unfilled and complacent people are easy targets for deception.
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January 18, 2004
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