|
|
|
One
day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
"Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove that you are
from God." But Jesus replied, "Only an evil, faithless generation
would ask for a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign
of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three
days and three nights, so I, the Son of Man, will be in the heart of the earth
for three days and three nights. The people of Nineveh will rise up against this
generation on judgment day and condemn it, because they repented at the
preaching of Jonah. And now someone greater than Jonah is here, and you refuse
to repent. The queen of Sheba will also rise up against this generation on
judgment day and condemn it, because she came from a distant land to hear the
wisdom of Solomon. And now someone greater than Solomon is here and you refuse
to listen to him. (Matthew
12:38-42 NLV). Easter is the most significant holiday in our religious calendar. It provides the cornerstone of our faith. It is unique among all the other religions of the world. While many religions have beliefs about their leaders ascending into heaven, or being divine, none have resurrection as a part of their faith. It is a sign without parallel. So many people crave a sign today. Psychic readers and seers experience booming business. Jesus teaching in our reading today emphasizes the importance of this event. It is the real sign and yet some do not believe. Jonah came back from a watery grave. A great fish swallowed him. Jonah was no tasty dish. The fish vomited Jonah on dry land. It was a sign. God sent this prophet to preach to the people of ancient Nineveh. They all took notice. They all turned to God. Jesus likened his impending resurrection to the return of Jonah. Thomas doubted. “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe"? (John 20:25). When Jesus appeared to him, Thomas had one response. "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). The sign of the resurrection awakened Thomas from the slumber of unbelief. How does Easter effect your life? What difference does it really make? Easter has become so ordinary for so many Christians. The truth is that it is the most singular event in history. Only the Incarnation rivals it in scope and impact. However, unless it has made a difference in your life personally, it might as well have never happened as far as you are concerned. Let the wonder of this day settle into your soul and transform your life. It begins with a simple prayer of repentance and surrender to the will and purpose of God. It will end with the glorious transformation of your life into an eternal, immortal child of God! |
|
