“As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom; and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.” Luke 11.29-32
It’s never easy when we are called out—“this is a wicked generation,” says Jesus. And isn’t He right? One look at our culture—social media, the abuse of wealth, the imbalance of power—and we realize that we truly are sinners. We are a generation far from God. Each of us, in our own way, wants to become our own god. Those who are made in the image of God naturally want to rule their own lives. But when left to our own devices, the results are tragic.
Perhaps this is why Jesus, who knows every human heart, called the generation wicked. And of course, it was not just first-century Judea—it is every generation from then until now. This is why we ask for a sign and receive one—the sign of Jonah.
What is the sign of Jonah? Here’s a hint: he was in the belly of a fish for three days and was delivered (Matthew 12:38–41). He called the people to repent, and many did. The sign of Jonah points to John the Baptist’s call to repentance and to Jesus’ promise of the resurrection. What sign does God give us? “Be holy, as I am holy.” Trust in His Son—the Savior and Messiah, Jesus—and you too will have forgiveness of sins and be resurrected on the last day.
GotQuestions.org, one of my favorite biblical and religious sites, says, “The phrase ‘sign of Jonah’ was used by Jesus as a typological metaphor for His future crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Jesus answered with this expression when asked by the Pharisees for miraculous proof that He was indeed the Messiah.” The sign of Jonah was God’s call to redeem His people—we are not entirely left to our own demise. God is with us; He is near.
There are some days when I take matters into my own hands, fall into disobedience, doubt, or lack faith. But then I turn to the Lord, with whom I have a lasting relationship, and He delivers me. He brings me hope, sets aside my wayward leanings, and renews my heart for Him.
Will you lean into the Lord today? Will you call upon His name? He has more for you than the never-ending rat race of life—He has forgiveness, grace, and life today and life to come. For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
“O Lord, the ache in my heart is for You. The desire for holiness, to be set apart, comes from You. Come now, Holy Spirit—fill me with Your power and love. Help me know that You are good and that You are God. I trust You, Lord, and praise Your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen