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Intermediate Sunday School Lesson 97 : A sign from heaven

Text: Matthew 16
4 February 2024

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 3 February 2024

STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Text: Matthew 16

Subject: “A sign from heaven”

INTRODUCTION

1. The Life and Ministry of the Lord Jesus

a) Spectacular
b) Significant

2. Different responses

a) Some followed Him as Disciples
b) Many were undecided
c) There were others who opposed the Lord Jesus Christ

DEMANDING A SIGN FROM THE LORD JESUS

Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.

Matthew 16:1

1. The Pharisees and Sadducees

a) In normal circumstances they opposed each other
b) Theologically, they held very different views
c) Nevertheless, they came together to oppose the Lord

2. Testing the Lord Jesus

a) They asked the Lord to show a sign from heaven
b) The sign they sought was not specific
c) This was done deliberately
d) Whatever sign the Lord Jesus may perform, it may be questioned

THE RESPONSE OF THE LORD JESUS

2 He answered and said to 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 foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.

Matthew 16:2-4

1. Sign from heaven: Evening

a) If the evening sky is red
b) They determine that it would be fair weather

2. Sign from heaven: Morning

a) If the morning ski is red and threatening
b) They conclude that it would be foul weather

3. The people could discern the face of the sky

4. But they could not discern the signs of the times

THE ACCUSATION FROM THE LORD JESUS

1. The problem of Hypocrisy

a) Pretended faith
b) False seeking
c) Lack of genuine interest

2. A wicked and adulterous generation

a) They have not faced up to their wickedness
b) They have remained sinful

3. Seeking a sign

a) Many signs had already been given
b) These had been rejected

4. The Lord would not fall into their trap

THE SIGN OF JONAH

1. Jonah was swallowed by a huge fish

2. The Lord Jesus would die and be in a tomb for 3 days

3. He would be resurrected on the 3rd Day

OUR CHALLENGE

1. To forsake sinful ways

2. To find faith in the Lord Jesus

3. To be strong in our faith