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 2025-10-13 Daily Prayer
The figure of Jesus the Son of God on the Cross will always be a sign to us of God’s immense love for us. Christ’s victory belongs to all of us. Let us give thanks to him.
Let us recognise who is on that Cross. Jesus promised that he would be with us always. If we but knew the gift of God and who it is that is with us now in our prayer.
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.