QT 24 Jan 14, Ultimately, we all just want LIFE!

Matt 12:38-39 (ESV) 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.

NOTE: After all the signs and wonders that Jesus had done, why the request? It seems almost ridiculous. He heals a man on the Sabbath and enrages the Pharisees; he heals a paralytic and forgives his sin and they are enraged; he heals a blind and mute man, and they say he is the prince of demons. They want Jesus to perform on demand. But what would that really prove? They did not want to believe and no amount of signs will change the heart of those who do not want to believe. Repentance changes a heart, not scientific proof. Signs are useful to start the questioning process, but ultimately it becomes a heart issue and not a head issue. The real sign, the one that matters most, is the one Jesus leaves with them. He promises to rise from the dead, three days later--that is the sign of Jonah. And still today, that is the sign that matters most--can death be beaten? Or is this life all there is and then … nothing? The resurrection from the dead and the subsequent proofs are too great to ignore. Life has meaning and death is not the end. What great truth or sign exists anywhere in the universe? I want life. Everyone, deep down, really want life. We want to be satisfied. We want to reach our potential. We want to make an impact. We want to be loved and love. We want LIFE! And Jesus offers life to those who will believe.