Luke 11:29-30 NRSVue

²⁹When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This generation is an evil generation; it asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah. ³⁰For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation.

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Further reflection

Jonah converted the great city of Nineveh by his godliness and his preaching, not by miracles. Holiness is a greater marvel than special effects, but less easily recognised. The spectacular is what draws the crowds. Lord your hand is more evident in saintliness than in extraordinary signs. Open my eyes to your work in my sisters and brothers.

Jonah had things to say which nobody wanted to hear. He spoke about conversion and changing some aspects of our style of life, about being faithful to God and to the best in ourselves. The gospel has many saying which are hard to hear. We avoid them sometimes in prayer. Jesus does not demand instant perfection or conversion; but he does ask that all his word be allowed into the mind and consciousness. Allow the demanding side of love be real in prayer and ask God's help to allow the best in each of us to come out.

Jesus recognised the human tendency to look for results, to seek identifiable signs. God has already blessed me with many signs of grace. I take some time to recognise them and ask God's help that I may not miss the messages that may be around me every day.

Jesus refers to Jonah, the prophet who was assigned to his generation. I think of the prophets who are important to me and allow God to speak to me again through them.