(Audio)
The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
They were not seeking a sign because they had any interest in believing him.
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
They were denied a sign because a sign wouldn't have given them faith. Instead, they wanted to control Jesus by dictating what he did. They wanted to be the authority to whom he had to prove himself. Jesus did perform signs to prove his identity and authority.
If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works (see John 10:37-38)
Moreover, as the sign of Jonah, Jesus himself was to be the ultimate sign. His death, three days in the earth, and resurrection proved every claim he made about himself. We see that Jesus showed the truth about himself in a way very different from the way in which we usually argue for truth. We see in him someone with nothing to prove, so convinced of his own identity in the Father that he didn't need to engage every argument. He did only what he needed to do so that people who were open to faith could believe. Even so, he didn't abandon even those who wanted to test him. The sign of Jonah was one that was designed to convert even the hardened hearts of sinners.
And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” (see John 19:37).
What should we do if we feel that we need stronger faith? Let us start from the cross, looking upon the one whom are sins have pierced. From there we receive the humility necessary to approach God not as his judge but rather as those who desire to receive wisdom.
But if any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,
and he will be given it.
We can ask in faith, not doubting, because we are beginning from the faith that the cross inspires, from the truth that we are loved by God. This is the source of our faith and it is only from this source that it can be deepened. Otherwise, our doubts will overwhelm us.
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.
We can ask in faith, not doubting. It is the love of Jesus for us that inspires this confidence. Let us turn to him today and ask, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (see Mark 9:24).
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I hold to your promise.
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