The Signs We Miss
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"Hey everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. I want to start with a question: How many of you have ever found yourselves asking for a sign from God? Maybe it was during a tough decision, a moment of uncertainty, or simply a desire to feel His presence more tangibly.
Illustration: In college I had a friend that became infatuated with a girl. He began looking for a sign from God, any sign that the girl he was talking to was the one. He was studying the passage ________ in the Greek and found that the root word for _________ was the same as this girls name. To him this was utter confirmation that he would marry her. A month latter they broke up.
In Matthew 12:38-45, we see the religious leaders of Jesus’ day demanding a sign, looking for proof of who He is. But here’s the twist—they were missing the very signs that were right in front of them! Jesus, instead of giving them what they wanted, pointed them to a deeper truth.
Today, we’re going to unpack what it means to seek God and recognize His presence in our lives. Are we waiting for the big miracle, or are we aware of the everyday signs of His work around us? Let’s dive into this passage together and discover how God might be speaking to us in ways we didn’t expect!"
#### Main Points
The Demand for Signs
The Demand for Signs
- **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 12:38
- Discuss the nature of the demand for signs and how it reflects a desire for proof rather than faith.
- Highlight that today's culture often mirrors this—people want tangible evidence of God’s existence and power.
People often seek signs or guidance in their lives for various reasons, including:
1. **Uncertainty and Doubt**: During times of confusion or major life decisions, individuals may feel unsure about the right path to take and look for signs to provide clarity.
2. **Desire for Assurance**: People may seek confirmation of their beliefs or decisions, wanting reassurance that they are on the right track or making the right choices.
3. **Fear of Failure**: The fear of making the wrong choice can drive individuals to seek external signs, hoping to avoid mistakes and negative consequences.
4. **Life Transitions**: Major life changes, such as moving, changing careers, or entering a relationship, often prompt individuals to look for guidance to navigate these transitions.
5. **Spiritual Connection**: Many seek signs as a way to deepen their relationship with God or the spiritual realm, wanting to feel a sense of divine presence or direction.
6. **Crisis or Hardship**: In times of distress, loss, or crisis, people may turn to signs as a source of comfort, hope, or direction during their struggles.
7. **Curiosity and Exploration**: Some individuals have a natural curiosity about the divine or the supernatural and seek signs simply to explore their beliefs and understand their faith better.
8. **Validation of Choices**: People often want to validate their feelings or decisions, and signs can serve as a form of external affirmation that they are making the right choices.
9. **Influence of Others**: Sometimes, societal or communal pressures can lead individuals to seek signs, especially if they see others doing the same or if it’s a common practice within their community or culture.
10. **Personal Growth**: Many seek signs as part of their journey towards self-discovery and personal development, hoping that guidance can lead them toward a more fulfilling life.
These reasons reflect the human desire for direction, reassurance, and a deeper understanding of one's path in life.
"Don't overlook the miracles around you while you're asking God for one."
"Don't overlook the miracles around you while you're asking God for one."
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.
My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
The Heart of the Matter
The Heart of the Matter
- **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 12:39-40
- Explain Jesus’ response, referencing the “sign of Jonah.” This points to His resurrection, the ultimate sign of His authority.
- Emphasize that sometimes, we miss the signs because our hearts are hardened or distracted. What we truly need is a heart attuned to God.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
The Danger of Spiritual Complacency
The Danger of Spiritual Complacency
- **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 12:43-45
- Discuss the analogy of the unclean spirit returning, illustrating the danger of a life not filled with God’s presence.
Nineveh had Jonah’s disfigured body and a short message, Repent.
The Queen of Sheba had a long journey to a prosperous Jerusalem, 100 proverbs, and a lust filled Solomon.
We have the proof of the resurrection, millions of transformed lives, an inspired book that is constantly challenged and yet always seems to correct science, historians, archaeologists, and philosophers.
- Challenge the congregation: Are we simply cleaning up our lives without inviting God in? It’s not enough to just remove bad habits; we must fill our lives with the Spirit.
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing the Signs
- Encourage the congregation to reflect on the signs God is already showing them in their lives—through Scripture, through community, through answered prayers.
- Share practical ways to cultivate a heart that sees and recognizes God’s movement: prayer, worship, and being in community with others.
In verse 40 Jesus tells the confused religious elites that there will be a sign that will prove emphatically that he is the Son of God. It is the sign of Jonah. Well he explains that it will be the completion of the sacrificial act of the Messiah.
Just like Jonah spent three days and nights in the belly of the big sea monster, Jesus would spend three days and nights in the ground.
The atoning work of Jesus Christ is the most important miracle that man will ever receive. Jesus’ suffering was for us, by his stripes we are healed. His blood was spilt to pay for our sins, without the shedding of blood there is no remission. His whole life was a sacrifice that satisfied the debt we owe God.
His burial was specific. He was taken down off the cross and put in a tomb that had been carved out for someone else. He borrowed a tomb to grant you the final victory over death. This tomb was only used for three days and three nights because after this Jesus rose from the dead as the final sign of His deity, victory, and redemptive work on our behalf.
The most important miracle is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The most important miracle is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
#### Conclusion
- Reiterate the message that God is always at work, but we must be open to seeing the signs He provides.
- Invite the congregation to respond: What is one step you can take this week to seek God more intentionally and recognize His signs?
- Close in prayer, asking for God to open our eyes and hearts to His presence and leading.
Lay down your preconceived beliefs at the sign that will change your destiny. Lay down your tradition at the cross where the Savor bleed and died. Lay down your worldly allegiance in the tomb where His body laid, pick up a new life from the Savor who defeated death by resurrecting from the dead.