The Sixth Sunday after Epiphany (GA)

Matthew 12:38-42
38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Mt 12:38–42). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

Jesus Christ offers the people of Israel but one sign of great significance. The Gospel according to St John recalls several signs as miracles of which Matthew, Mark and Luke are full of miracles. But Jesus only offers this one sign when they request of him one. The Sign of Jonah who was in the bell of the great fish for three days and three nights. So Jesus will rest in the earth or grave for three days and three nights. But is this the sign or is it that it will only be three days in the tomb. The Son of Man will than rise to new life.

Is this not the same sign Jesus offers the wicked generation when he says destroy this temple and in three Days I will raise it up again? Jesus proclaims one great truth to the people. This is the same truth Christ has St Paul proclaim. St Paul proclaims Christ and him crucified alone. Jesus Christ has died and rose again to new life. He is our strength and our life.

Many people even today request signs and miracles from God in order to believe. But God still offers this wicked generation only one real sign. Jesus Christ has died and rose again to new life in three days. This shall be a sign for you to know that he is the only Son of Man and Son of God. Even though we do not get to see it before our eyes, Jesus still offers that same sign to each of you. God has revealed to you this sign through Jesus Christ in His Holy Word. In His Word we hear witness of this sign repeatedly and of our forgiveness of sins.