Matthew 12:38-50

Introduction: The Scene

• Jesus is either the biggest egomaniac to have ever walked the earth or the great Lord who is worthy of building and centering our lives upon.

◦ In this passage, he will demonstrate that he (1) is the ultimate sign from heaven, (2) should fill up our lives, and (3) is worth adhering to no matter what.

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”

What did the religious leaders want?

• The scribes and Pharisees wanted a sign (38). To them, a sign was different from a miracle. It was an on-demand, undeniable, from-the-heavens, celestial proof of identity.

◦ Perhaps they had missed his baptism, where the Spirit descended from the sky and the Father spoke from heaven (Matt. 3:16–17)!

◦ Their request feels like the intellectual dishonesty that accompanies an ever hardening heart. They were looking for loopholes, for reasons not to believe!

1. Captivated by Christ: He is enough (12:38–42)

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. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

How did Jesus respond?

1. With a brief rebuke.

• An evil and adulterous generation (39): A call back to the covenant—Yahweh considered himself husband to Israel, yet they had often, like us, been unfaithful to him. They had cheated on Yahweh—and Jesus calls it out once again.

◦ Seeks (39): describes an ongoing, addictive craving for spiritual sensation. Instead, Jesus gave them one sign in three parts (39).

2. With his resurrection.

• Jesus said the one sign they would get is the sign of the prophet Jonah—with a nod to Jonah’s time in the belly of the great fish, Jesus said he would be three days and nights in the heart of the earth (40).

◦ Three days and three nights (40): Jesus also said he would rise on the third day (Matt. 16:21) and rebuild the temple (of his body) in three days (John 2:19). Here, however, he says three days and nights. How do we solve this problem?

– Jesus accounted for time the way his culture did. In first-century Jewish reckoning, any part of a day-and-night cycle counts as the whole unit. A Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday count as three days and nights.

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the vital event of Christianity.

◦ Jesus stakes his entire credibility on that one historical event.

◦ “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” (1 Cor. 15:17)

• 21 Clues. I don’t mean to give an exhaustive message on the resurrection today, but I’ve produced an online list of some clues that point to its truthfulness, along with a handful of books for further study:

1. We know it’s what they believed in the first century church: Vast quantity and reliability of ancient New Testament manuscripts undergirding the accounts.
2. The 1 Corinthians 15:3–7 creed dates to within a few years of the crucifixion—too early for legend to develop (1 Cor. 15:3–7)
3. The unrefuted empty tomb, found empty on the third day (Mark 16:6). The Jewish authorities implicitly conceded the empty tomb by circulating a stolen-body story (Matt. 28:11–15).
4. Proclamation began in Jerusalem, where the body could have been produced to refute it (Acts 2:29–32).
5. Women recorded as the first primary eyewitnesses—an “embarrassing” detail unlikely to be invented (Luke 24:1–10).
6. Candid initial disbelief, shock, and doubt among the disciples (Luke 24:11; John 20:24–25).
7. An appearance to over 500 at once, most still living when reported (1 Cor. 15:6).
8. Multiple appearances spanning forty days and varied settings (Acts 1:3).
9. Physical proofs of bodily resurrection—eating food, being touched, showing his scars (Luke 24:41–43; John 20:27).
10. Immediate conversion of the skeptic James, Jesus’ own brother (1 Cor. 15:7; John 7:5).
11. Immediate conversion of the enemy and persecutor Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:1–9; 1 Cor. 15:8).
12. Radical transformation of fearful disciples into courageous proclaimers (Mark 14:50; Acts 4:13).
13. Willingness of eyewitnesses to endure persecution and martyrdom for their claim (Acts 7:59–60; Acts 12:2).
14. The rapid birth and explosive growth of the early Church in Jerusalem despite persecution (Acts 2:41; Acts 5:14).
15. A crucified Messiah was a stumbling block; only vindication explains the worship of Him (1 Cor. 1:23).
16. The radical shift in the day of worship from Saturday Sabbath to Sunday (Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10).
17. The rise of new sacraments interpreting his death and resurrection (1 Cor. 11:23–26).
18. Monotheistic Jews came to worship Jesus as Lord and God (John 20:28; Phil. 2:9–11).
19. Fulfilled Old Testament prophecies regarding the resurrection of the Messiah (Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11).
20. The inability of naturalistic alternative theories to explain the data—stolen body, swoon/faint, group hallucination, myth/legend, wrong tomb, or twin theory.
21. The enduring, life-transforming power of the resurrection message throughout history (1 Cor. 15:17–20).

◦ Books for further study:

– Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell (and Sean McDowell)

– The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

– The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas and Michael Licona

– Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace

– Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morison

• The resurrection is the ultimate sign, but the Mark and Luke help us see Jesus meant that his entire life was enough.

◦ Mark: “Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation” (Mark 8:12). I am enough—I am the only sign you need.

◦ Luke: Jesus said, “No sign will be given to (this generation) except the sign of Jonah,” without ever directly mentioning the fish episode, while mentioning the preaching of Jonah (Luke 11:29–32). I am here—Jonah impacted Nineveh. Solomon impressed the queen of Sheba. I should be enough to move you.

3. With his message.

The men of Nineveh heard a minimal, five-Hebrew-word sermon about impending judgment from a reluctant, hostile prophet—AND REPENTED! (41)

• Something greater than Jonah is here: Jesus came with words of grace and mercy pouring out of his mouth.

◦ Jonah did nothing to represent God’s character. In fact, he rebelled against the fact God is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love, and relenting from disaster” (Jonah 4:2).

◦ Jesus came and showed us what the gracious and merciful God looks like.

4. With his life.

The queen of the South (the Queen of Sheba; 1 Kings 10:1) came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon (42). She traveled a great distance to hear and see the wisdom of Solomon’s words and life—and when she saw his house, food, officials, servants, and the offertory system, “there was no more breath in her” (1 Kings 10:5).

• Something greater than Solomon is here: Jesus is the One who traveled a great distance to show us the beauty and majesty of his life.

2. Occupied by Christ: He must fill us (12:43–45)

43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

What does Jesus mean?

• Jesus portrays a person delivered from demonic influence as a cleansed house—empty, swept, and put in order (44).

◦ Emphasis: aesthetically pristine, but without a new tenant.

• They were only cleansed from the demonic, but nothing replaced the demonic, so they were susceptible to a worse outcome. The last state of that person is worse than the first (45).

Example: an empty neighborhood—squatters are coming!

• The Point: In the Kingdom of God, neutrality does not exist. Expelling evil without inviting Christ to occupy the heart only prepares a cleaner, more attractive residence for darker forces to inhabit.

What does this mean for us?

1. Israel: The temporary reform Jesus worked put them in danger—what would they do after all those demonic evictions? They needed to embrace Jesus.
2. Individuals: It is dangerous to stop at a morally respectable life—we need Christ within.

◦ Note: a Spirit-indwelt believer is never an empty house (Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 6:19, Eph. 1:13–14).

3. Civilizations: Post-Christian societies that retain some Christian ethics (human rights, justice) while rejecting Christ are in danger.

◦ This evil generation: not a strictly personal statement, but about an entire generation.

3. Included by Christ: He makes us his family (12:46–50)

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

What happened?

• To conclude this section, Matthew tells us that while Jesus was still inside speaking to the people, his mother and brothers stood outside and asked to speak to him (46–47).

◦ Outsider/Insider. Matthew has been showing us who is outside (King Herod, religious leaders, Pharisees, scribes, the world) and inside (wise men, John the Baptist, disciples, those needing forgiveness) the kingdom. Now we see his own biological family standing outside while his disciples are inside with him.

• Jesus subverted his first century Jewish culture by rhetorically asking, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” (48).
• Then he acted like an Old Testament priest when he stretched out his hand toward his disciples, blessing them by announcing, “Here are my mother and my brothers!” (49).
• He concluded by announcing a brand new paradigm: “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (50).

◦ Radical. This is a cultural tsunami that subordinates biological to kingdom allegiance.

What does this mean?

• It does not mean Jesus destroyed family obligations. In a few chapters we’ll hear him reaffirm the importance of the command to honor father and mother (Matt. 15:4). We will watch him care for Mary even on the cross (John 19:26–27). Jesus loves the family and sees it as a primary area of ministry and responsible discipleship.
• It means when we are joined to Christ we become family with him, and by extension, others. By doing the will of his Father in heaven, we become family with Jesus (50).

Example: The loneliness epidemic—In May 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General issued a formal advisory on loneliness and isolation, reporting that roughly half of American adults experience loneliness and that lacking social connection raises the risk of premature death comparably to smoking up to fifteen cigarettes a day. Rates are highest among young adults, who are nearly twice as likely to report loneliness as those over sixty-five.

• It means his family is male and female. Jesus made sure to mention “sister” alongside mother and brother (50). His heart to make disciples of all nations implied he wanted to make disciples of both men and women (Matthew 28:19). And when the Spirit fell on the church, men and women were filled and gifted for the work. And while a male pastoral office or male eldership is taught in Scripture (1 Tim. 3:1–7, Titus 1:5–9), so is the concept that women are wildly included into God’s family through Christ (Gal. 3:28, 1 Pet. 3:7).

Conclusion

But what is the Father’s will?

• Jesus announced that those who do the will of his Father in heaven are his family (50).

◦ Q: What is that will?

◦ A: Whatever the disciples were doing at that time.

– The disciples gathered around and listened to Jesus speak (46, 49). Mark especially highlights this (Mark 3:34). This group sat at Jesus’ feet. They did not argue with him about his teaching on the kingdom, but embraced it. They allowed him to disciple and train them to take up the cross and follow him.

– It means we should sit and hear his Son, for that is the Father’s will.

Move inside.

• The Pharisees stood outside asking for a sign. The house had no one living inside it. Mary and Jesus’ brothers stood outside calling for him.
• Trust Jesus—he is enough.
• Fill your life with him—he will occupy you.
• Enjoy him and his family.

Study Questions

Head (Knowledge, Facts, Understanding)

1. The scribes and Pharisees ask for “a sign” after having already watched Jesus heal, cast out demons, and raise the dead (Matt. 12:38). What kind of proof were they actually demanding, and why does Jesus answer the request by naming them “an evil and adulterous generation” (Matt. 12:39)?
2. Jesus answers with one sign in three parts: a resurrection greater than Jonah’s deliverance (Matt. 12:40), a message greater than Jonah’s preaching (Matt. 12:41), and a life greater than Solomon’s splendor (Matt. 12:42). What is the cumulative claim Jesus is making about himself, and why does the sermon conclude that Jesus is the sign rather than merely gives one?

Heart (Feelings, Impressions, Desires)

3. The sermon describes the Pharisees’ demand as an ongoing, addictive craving for spiritual sensation—hunting for loopholes, for reasons not to believe. Where do you recognize that craving or that hesitancy in yourself? Is there a place where you are quietly waiting for further evidence before you fully entrust yourself to Christ, and what would it cost you to say that out loud in this room?
4. Jesus pictures a life cleaned up but left unoccupied—“empty, swept, and put in order” (Matt. 12:44)—and warns that the last state is worse than the first (Matt. 12:45). Examining your own heart honestly, does it feel more occupied by Christ or more tidied for respectability? What does that stir in you: relief, conviction, longing, fear?

Hands (Actions, Commitments, Decisions, Beliefs)

5. Jesus defines his family by a single mark: “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matt. 12:50)—and in context that will is what the disciples were doing right then, sitting and receiving his teaching (Matt. 12:49; cf. Mark 3:34). What one concrete change to your weekly rhythm would move you from standing outside the house to sitting inside it?
6. In an age when roughly half of American adults report loneliness, Jesus stretches out his hand toward ordinary disciples and calls them mother, brother, and sister (Matt. 12:49–50). Who is currently standing on the edges of our church family? What are some acts of inclusion you want to commit to in your life?

Sources Used

• Frederick Dale Bruner, Matthew: A Commentary, Volume 1—The Christbook, Matthew 1–12
• D. A. Carson, Matthew
• R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew
• Craig L. Blomberg, Matthew
• Craig S. Keener, A Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
• Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew