An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And he left them and went away.
Here Jesus addresses that generation with severe condemnation, calling them “evil and adulterous,” emphasizing their moral and spiritual decline, as well as their lack of faithfulness toward God. Demanding a sign here is no longer seen as a sincere request, but as an open expression of unbelief and rebellion. Jesus says that no sign will be given to them except the sign of the prophet Jonah, which, according to many commentators, also symbolizes Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In that interpretation (which we will see in the following chapters), just as the prophet Jonah remained three days in the belly of the great fish, so also Christ would remain three days in the tomb. This was the one and sufficient sign to confirm Jesus’ divinity. Then Jesus departs in silence as an act of judgment, not remaining with those who demand proofs but do not truly seek the truth.