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Book of Luke - Chapter 11 - Verse 29

11:29
And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

Meaning

Jesus often used parables and metaphors to convey deep spiritual truths to the people he was teaching. In this verse, Jesus is addressing a crowd that has gathered to hear him speak. He refers to them as an evil generation because they are seeking a sign from him to prove his authority and power. Jesus explains that the only sign they will be given is the sign of Jonas the prophet, who was in the belly of a great fish for three days and three nights before being delivered. This sign foreshadows Jesus' own death and resurrection, showing that just as Jonas was brought out of the fish after three days, Jesus will conquer death and come back to life. By using this reference, Jesus is not only rebuking the crowd for their lack of faith but also pointing them towards the ultimate sign of his divinity and power through his death and resurrection.

Theological Overview

Jesus' statement in this verse, where he criticizes the generation for seeking signs, highlights the importance of faith over seeking constant validation through miraculous occurrences. By referencing the sign of Jonah, Jesus points to his impending death and resurrection. The story of Jonah being swallowed by a great fish for three days serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own burial and resurrection after three days. Through this reference, Jesus is indicating that the ultimate sign of his power and authority will be his triumph over death. This verse reminds believers that true faith does not depend on signs and wonders, but on trust in the redemptive work of Jesus. It challenges us to rely on the ultimate sign of Jesus' resurrection as the foundation of our faith, rather than seeking constant proof of his power through miraculous signs.

American Standard Version

And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah.
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