Luke 11:29-32 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. ³¹The queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon, and indeed, something greater than Solomon is here! ³²The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and indeed, something greater than Jonah is here!

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Reflection on Luke 11:29-32

Inspiration from 2026-02-25 Daily Prayer

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 readily 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.

Further reflection

Jonah's work was to call a whole people to recognise their sin and need for God's forgiveness.

Jesus is saying, pretty strongly, that something similar is called for now.

Do I hear this? How do I react?

Jonah was remembered as the prophet who warned his people to repent, and all of them, including the king, heard and heeded him. They seized their opportunity and were ready to be jolted out of their routine.

Lord, you come to me in unexpected and sometimes unwelcome forms. The Jews who gathered round Jesus failed to recognise the truth he spoke. May I be ready not merely to listen to your words, but to shape my life by them.