Matthew 16:1-4

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired Him that He would show them a sign from Heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, “When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them, and departed.

The Pharisees and Sadducees disagreed on major theological and political views with one another. One of the only things they were united on was their total opposition to Jesus Christ and John the Baptist at this time.

Jesus’ opponents could skillfully read the signs for the coming weather as most could in those times, but they missed the much more important signs of Jesus Christ and the miracles about the coming Kingdom of God.

Jesus’ description of Israel’s religious leaders is reminiscent of Deuteronomy 32:5, where Moses rebuked Israel for rejecting Jehovah. Jesus took that comparison of Israel’s rejection of God with its rejection of Himself.
By doing this, Jesus was rightfully equating Himself with God His Father. This made the Pharisees and Sadducees even more mad at Him, and they started to plan to kill Him as soon as they could.

I would like you to think of how this little bit from the Bible might remind you of some things happening in our churches today. If you can think of anything, what would you say can be done about these things? The next step for good Christians would be to do something about it.

All glory to God
His humble servant Lee M. Buchanan