A “sign” (Hebrew oth) in the Old Testament and Jewish literature signifies a token which guarantees the truthfulness of an utterance or the legitimacy of an action. The words of the prophets which could not be verified were frequently accompanied by a sign which authenticated the prophecy. In that context, a sign is a further prophecy that is to be fulfilled within a short period of time. Because miracles or “mighty deeds” are effective and extraordinary, they occupy a privileged place among the divine signs, but they are not always “signs” pointing to God’s saving action. Jesus does miracles designated as signs of the coming of the Kingdom, but they are not considered to be signs by the Pharisees. When they see with their very eyes Jesus’ mighty deeds, they conclude that these are of demonic agency and that Jesus is in league with Beelzebul, the prince of demons. In today’s Gospel, they seek a sign from heaven. They demand that Jesus demonstrate the legitimacy of his actions. But what mighty deed can truly satisfy them? Jesus is thoroughly aware of the hostility and unbelief of the Pharisees who are opposed to the revelation of God’s grace in him. In their case, he absolutely refuses the demand for a sign.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings. Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways. The brother in lowly circumstances should take pride in high standing, and the rich one in his lowliness, for he will pass away “like the flower of the field.” For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass, its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes. So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

“Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.”

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.