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Explanation for:
Matthew
12
:
39
Who answering said to them: An evil and adulterous generation seeketh a sign: and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"A fitting description: unfaithful, for this generation turned away from the Bridegroom, and, as stated in Ezekiel, engaged in relations with numerous suitors Ezekiel 16."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"For this reason, the Savior sternly rebukes them. When they insolently questioned and mocked Him, He responded with humility; however, when they attempted to flatter Him, He addressed them with great severity and expressed strong condemnation. This demonstrates that He transcends both anger and flattery—while they could not provoke Him to wrath before, they cannot sway Him with their praise now. Consider the nature of His denunciations: they are not mere rebukes but unveil the depravity of the Pharisees. What does He declare? \\"The evil generation is wicked, and the adulterer seeks a sign.\\" The implication of these words is clear: Why should it surprise you to act toward Me in this way, when you have already done the same to My Father, whose power you have witnessed through numerous manifestations? How often have you turned away from Him, seeking companionship with the demons, as the prophet Ezekiel has admonished you repeatedly! By stating this, the Savior affirms His unity with the Father and indicates that they behave as they always have. Simultaneously, He reveals their innermost intentions, exposing their hypocrisy and enmity in their demand for a sign. He thus labels them a wicked generation, always ungrateful to those who have helped them, and by receiving such blessings, they only become more corrupt—an indication of profound evil. He denotes them as an adulterous generation, signifying both their past and ongoing disbelief, which further confirms His equality with the Father since faithlessness toward Him renders one an adulterer.\\n\\nAfter rebuking them, what does He convey next? \\"And a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet.\\" Here, He speaks of His resurrection, using a comparison for clarity. Why, you may ask, was no other sign granted to the Pharisees? It was not given upon their request. The Savior perceived their spiritual blindness, and thus He performed miracles not to persuade them, but for the transformation of others. One could understand His words in this way; or interpret them to indicate that the Pharisees would not accept a sign like the one mentioned. The sign was indeed given, for they recognized the Lord's power through their own punishment. Here, He subtly foretells of impending judgment, warning them, as it were, that despite the many blessings I have bestowed upon you, none have drawn you closer to Me, nor have you honored My power with reverence. You will come to know My might through the actions of My adversaries, when you witness your city laid waste, the walls torn down, and the temple reduced to rubble, when you find yourselves stripped of your former liberty and order, wandering as fugitives without a home. This all came to pass after the sufferings of the cross. Thus, what will be your sign instead of great wonders? Is it not indeed the greatest sign that the sufferings of the Jews remain unaltered, and that no one has been able to lessen the consequences of their past transgressions despite their efforts? Yet, the Savior does not speak of this directly at this moment, reserving the clearest revelation for the future. For now, He opens the message of His resurrection, a truth they will ultimately acknowledge through the very tribulations they will endure."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Lord did not primarily intend to focus on the duration of three days but spoke this way as a result of the healings of the sick and the raising of the dead. Following these countless signs and testimonies, which no literature could encompass (John 21:25), the blind men requested, ‘We want to see a sign from You’ (cf. Matt. 12:38). Thus, while referencing the prophets and kings as His witnesses, He turned to the Ninevites, who, due to their lack of witnessing Jonah’s sign, would ultimately condemn those who, after having witnessed numerous miracles, chose to reject their significance. Jonah warned the Ninevites of impending doom, provoking fear and trembling, leading them to return to him with a spirit of brokenness and the fruits of repentance. The Lord chose the Gentiles, bringing the uncircumcised as witnesses. The idolaters were granted life, and the sinners were turned around, thereby serving to humble the circumcised. Consequently, they will pass judgment on those who remained obstinately in disbelief. ‘A sign shall not be given them, except the sign of Jonah the prophet.’ Jonah’s sign served both as a message and a call to the Ninevites. Ignoring Jonah’s proclamation would lead them alive into the abyss, similar to his sojourn in the belly of the whale; yet, should they repent, they would transition from death to life, just as the prophet returned to life. In a similar manner, the Lord allows for both downfall and restoration; through His death, individuals find either life or demise. He declares: ‘Men of Nineveh’ (cf. Matt. 12:41, Jon. 3:5), redirecting their attention. For those who sought a heavenly sign, akin to the thunder of Samuel (1 Sam. 12:18), His response was that ‘Out of hell has come the preaching you desire to hear from heaven.’ Since the signs from heaven were ignored, the proclamation emerged from the depths, just as Jonah arose from the abyss. As Jonah's emergence (from the underworld) served as a harbinger of disaster for the Ninevites, proclaiming doom for their city, so too did the apostles after the Lord's resurrection."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Are you seeking a sign? Where were you when the demons, whom I subdued not with a whip but with a command, cried out, ‘What do we have to do with you, Son of God? You have come here before the appointed time to torment us. We recognize you as the Son of God (Matt. 8:29). The demons acknowledged My authority, yet you failed to see the evidence of My works. Where were you when the blind men alongside the road shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Jesus, Son of David (Matt. 20:30), that we may receive our sight? What is the meaning of the sign of Jonah? It symbolizes the call of the cross. It is intended for those lacking understanding to be saved, while those who accept the teachings of Christ find understanding. For the cross represents a stumbling block to those who rely on reason, yet it is salvation for those who have faith. Paul affirms this truth: But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Greeks. Yet to those who are called, whether they are Jews or Greeks, we proclaim Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:23-24). Why do the Jews seek a sign and the Greeks search for wisdom? It pleased God to proclaim the sign of the cross's temptation to both Jews and Greeks, so that those who desire to discover Christ through intellect rather than faith would be lost in the folly of their pursuit; and those who wish to identify the Son of God through visible signs, rather than through faith, would remain in disbelief, succumbing to the temptation of His death. It's not surprising that the Jews, who witnessed the death of Christ firsthand, perceived Him merely as a man, especially when even professing Christians hesitate to acknowledge the majesty of the crucified only begotten Son of God due to His death."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"According to their beliefs, the true miracles originated from evil spirits, which only leave traces on earth. Consequently, they now challenge Him, demanding, \\"Show us a sign from heaven through Your divine power.\\" The other Gospel writer clearly noted that they requested a heavenly sign, which should be performed by divine authority. Yet, they made this request, blinded by their ignorance, as they regarded Him incapable of performing divine acts. Such miracles as restoring sight to the blind, raising the dead, and calming the stormy seas and winds can only be achieved through heavenly power."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The Lord designates as a harlot every soul that rejects and defies His commandments, which is evident in numerous passages of Scripture. For instance, it is written that she has committed adultery with the rock and the tree (Jer. 3:9). Furthermore, it is stated that a wicked generation and an adulterous people seek a sign."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He refers to them as a 'wicked generation,' labeling them as sycophants and deceitful individuals, and calls them 'adulterous' for having forsaken God to ally themselves with demonic forces. He describes His resurrection as a sign, showcasing an extraordinary manifestation."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As they insult him, he responds with humility; when they flatter him, his replies are firm, for he remains unaffected by both ire and praise. He rebukes them for the sins of their forefathers, addressing them as a corrupt lineage. He labels their race as wicked, likening them to those from ages past who were unfaithful and provoked God. David noted, \\"And they did not believe His wonders\\" (Psalms 77:32), and again, \\"And they tempted and abhorred the Most High God\\" (Psalms 77:56). He condemns them as an adulterous generation due to their ancestors' abandonment of God, who had once turned away from faith and embraced idols. The Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament similarly refer to idolatry as spiritual infidelity, a theme often present in the prophetic writings. Such signs will not be granted to them, as they seek a sign not through faith but through deceit and provocation. Yet, why did He later provide a sign? He did so, but not for their sake, as they were spiritually blinded, but for the benefit of others. The prophet Jonah refers to His resurrection from the grave after three days and three nights as a sign. He foretold that after His Resurrection, the Jews would recall His prediction of this event, specifying the days and nights of His entombment. Indeed, later on, when He was laid in the grave, the chief priests and Pharisees approached Pilate, saying, \\"Lord, we have remembered how he said, while He was still alive: after three days I will rise\\" (Matthew 27:62, 63). He identified His resurrection as the sign of the prophet Jonah, a comparison that He elaborates on further."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He replied to them, \\"A deceitful and faithless generation seeks a sign from heaven. I could indeed perform a sign for you, but I understand that even the most miraculous sign from above will only momentarily cause you distress, as faith has no dwelling in your hearts, which are tainted by wickedness and jealousy. How many wonders and signs from heaven has my Father shown to your generation throughout history! Yet, how often have you, His chosen people, akin to a betrothed bride, turned away from Him, chasing after idols as an unfaithful partner! Just as you have turned your back on my Father, you now refuse to believe in me. Should I present you with a sign as you desire, your disbelief would persist, and such a sign would only lead you to condemnation. Therefore, THIS SIGN WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO THIS deceitful and faithless generation! I do not perform miracles for human glory, nor for the idle curiosity of the masses, but out of compassion, for the exaltation of my Father and the deliverance of humanity. I have granted you countless blessings, yet none have drawn you closer to me. Consequently, you will come to recognize my authority through the consequences of the opposition, as you witness your city laid waste and your sanctuary turned to ruins, wandering as exiles and the destitute. Henceforth, no further sign shall be offered to this wicked generation, EXCEPT FOR THE SIGN OF JONAH THE PROPHET.\\""},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A generation characterized by wickedness and infidelity: they insincerely demand a sign from Him as if they were His adversaries. Thus, He refers to them as a 'wicked' generation, demonstrating their perpetual ingratitude towards those who do good to them. Each favor received only deepened their depravity, which reflects profound malice and moral corruption. He also describes them as 'adulterous,' highlighting both their historical and current disbelief. To disbelieve Him is akin to being unfaithful.\\n\\nThe bond between God and the people of Israel is frequently illustrated in the writings of the Old Testament as one akin to that of a husband and wife, with the unfaithfulness of the people compared to adultery through their worship of false idols (Ps. 72:27, Is. 57:3, Ezek. 16:15, Ezek. 23:27, Hos. 3:1, etc.). \\n\\nWhen they request a sign: the Jews sought a remarkable and extraordinary miracle from above (Luke 11:16), and their request was not made in sincere faith. The Lord responds that such a miracle will not be granted to them at this time. This does not imply that He would refrain from performing miracles to affirm His unique role as the Messiah, but rather that the specific sign they sought will not be provided now. Instead, He alludes to a significant past sign that foreshadows the greatest miracle He will achieve in the future: the preservation of the prophet Jonah in the belly of a great fish for three days. This event typifies Christ’s resurrection following three days of death, which unambiguously confirms His divine mission as Messiah. Just as Jonah was miraculously revived after his time in the fish, so too will Christ rise on the third day; and just as Jonah’s preservation led the Ninevites to repentance, so Christ’s resurrection will guide all humanity toward true faith and devotion."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"They had just witnessed evidence of Jesus’ divine authority as He expelled a demon from a man who was both blind and mute. They had also observed numerous other miracles performed by Him; they were likely aware of His resurrection of Jairus’ daughter and the widow of Nain's son, possibly even having been there. And yet, in the wake of all these wonders, they still sought another sign! Such individuals, however, will not be swayed by any signs; they are like the swine referred to by Christ in His Sermon on the Mount, “Do not cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them with their feet and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). For this reason, Jesus, setting an example of obedience to all His commandments, denied the deceitful inquirers a sign, stating, “The evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” They will not receive the miraculous sign they desire now, one that would be spectacular from the heavens. However, one sign will indeed be granted to all, and this miraculous sign, this testament to the divinity of Jesus, will be His Resurrection. The prototype of this event was seen in the Old Testament through the miracle God performed with the prophet Jonah, as Jesus indicated: “For as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so also the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40)."}]}
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