Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Matthew 16:1-12

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." 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. 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. (Matthew 12:39-40)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. "Sign. Sign. Everywhere a sign" (Five Man Electrical Band). The old song remains true except in the opposite way for the scribes and Pharisees. They wanted to see a sign from Jesus, but the time for signs as signals that Jesus is the Messiah had come to an end and it was time for the Messiah to do what He came to earth to do: die and be raised again. Christ looks to the people asking for a sign and says, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." One more. The ultimate sign. Three days in the belly of the Earth. This is no mere sign, but is the final showing. It is the redemption of all mankind. It is also our future.

We often wish for signs of God's presence and work in our lives. We sometimes challenge God to prove His existence to us through a sign or to give us something tangible to indicate which way we should go on a major decision. Ultimately, we can rely on His promises as revealed in His Word and in His Gifts to us, no matter what the future may hold.

In Holy Baptism, with actual water, we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Christ. We are taken with Him into the belly of the earth and are raised again with Him to new life. In His Supper we can touch and taste the bread and wine that are His Body and Blood, given and shed for us. This is no mere sign or symbol; this is our very eternal life given to us and shed on the Cross for us so that we could be washed clean and be called children of God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is nothing worth comparing To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I'll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising, Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ; I'm a child of paradise!
("God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It" LSB 594, st. 4)

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch