Knowing The Word in Matthew 16:1-4

The Pharisees and Sadducees Demand Signs

[After Jesus withdrew from the Jewish leaders in 15:21, he headed into Gentile territory. Now he returns to the dispute with a newly formed unholy alliance of the Sadducees and Pharisees.]

1And the Pharisees and Sadducees [these two groups do not get along but here they do, forming an unholy alliance] came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven [in sharp contrast to the Gentile crowd]. [The question is not sincere—they had witnessed previous miracles—but is intended as a trap.] 2 He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times [the miracles and healings Jesus has just been doing]. 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” [Jesus does not explain this sign here but did in 12:40-41.] So he left them and departed. [When not welcomed, Jesus will leave. See Revelation 3:14-22.]