Monday: 16^th Week in Ordinary Time-A

I Reading: Exodus 14:5-18: When I have won glory for myself at the expense of Pharaoh, The Egyptians will learn that I am the Lord.

Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42: The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation and condemn it.

Messiah’s Answer to an Evil Generation or Apostates, 12:38-45

It is evil to seek special or spectacular signs. Jesus Christ is very clear on this point. Why? Because God has given every sign that could be needed  in Christ himself.

1. An evil generation sought a sign (v.38-40)

a. Jesus condemned his generation as evil and adulterous

b. Jesus gave one sign

          1) The sign: Symbolized by Jonah

          2) The sign: His death and resurrection

2. An evil generation was condemned because it did not repent (v.41)

a. Nineveh will testify against

b. Why: Now a greater messenger than Jonah

c. Result: Condemnation

3. An evil generation was condemned because it did not seek the greater wisdom (v.42)

a. The question of Sheba will testify against

b. Why: Now a greater One than Solomon to impart the truth

4. An evil generation followed a false religion-that of self reformation (v.43-45)

a. Illustration: A parable

          1) Man reforms his life

          2) Man fails to fill his life with Christ

b. Result

          1) Greater depravity

          2) End condition is worse

c. Point: A generation that rejects Christ is fit for the takeover of evil

Thought: The people of Nineveh believed God and repented when the prophet preached. Christ implies the experience of Nineveh to the world.

1) The world is ungodly and wicked world.

2) God sent his prophet (Jesus Christ, his own Son) to warn the world in love.

3) The people of the world “do not believe God” and do not repent when the message of Christ is preached.

What Christ is saying. “You ask for a sign. I am God’s sign.”

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