Signs are important because they point the way to a future destination. The Old Testament is full of signs pointing to Jesus but the religious leaders were not interested in understanding God’s salvation purposes. They had their own agenda, to retain power over the people; and Jesus threatened their position. Perhaps they thought that by repeated questioning they might find the secret of His power (as Sampson was worn down by Delilah in Judges 16:4-22). Or perhaps they hoped that He would in some way discredit himself and they would be able to accuse Him of being a fraud.
 
They asked for a sign from heaven (the Greek word means ‘above’). So Jesus took them literally and referred them to the meteorological signs in the sky which enabled them to forecast weather. An English phrase derived from this passage is: “Red sky at night, shepherds’ delight; red sky in the morning, shepherds’ warning”. Everybody had learned how to observe the sky and understand what it meant, enabling them to prepare for good or bad weather.
 
Jesus accused them of not understanding the Scriptures, about which they claimed to be expert. They could not match prophesies about Jesus with the Man who they closely observed. They saw such evidence of His divinity and messianic fulfilment, but could not bring themselves to accept the truth about Christ’s identity. So Jesus refused to entertain them; He simply pointed to the sign of Jonah which He had previously given to them (Matthew 12:38-42). The sign of Christ’s authenticity would be His death and resurrection.
 
Sceptics still ask for signs about the existence and power of God. The resurrection proves both. There is too much evidence of this remarkable historical fact to dismiss it (see a helpful resource at http://bit.ly/1lKz9Aq). However, many Christians seek for signs to provide reassurance or specific guidance. Romans 8:32 says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Do not seek signs to pick your own way through life, trust Jesus to lead you. There is no need to test Him in order to get your own way; but every need to trust Him so that He will take you His way.