Matthew 12:38
Afrikaans 1933/1953
Toe spreek sommige van die skrifgeleerdes en Fariseërs en sê: Meester, ons wil graag 'n teken van U sien.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, some scribes and Pharisees are asking Jesus to show them a sign or miracle so they can believe in him. They want proof of his authority.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend who does cool magic tricks. One day, your friends say, 'Hey, we haven't seen one of your tricks in a while. Can you do another?' That's kind of like what these people are doing with Jesus.
Historical Background
This verse is from the Gospel of Matthew, written by an unknown author around 80-90 AD. It was intended for both Jewish and Gentile Christians to understand Jesus' teachings and actions in light of their historical context.
Living It Out Today
In modern times, this could apply when someone asks for proof before believing in a cause or leader. For example, an employee might ask for evidence that a new management technique will work before fully committing to it.
Topics
faithmiraclesdoubtauthoritytestingsigns
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the scribes and Pharisees want a sign from Jesus?
They were skeptical about Jesus' claims and wanted proof or validation through an extraordinary demonstration, hoping to test his authority.
What was Jesus’ response to this request?
Jesus responded by saying that no one in his generation would receive a sign except the sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40), referring to his resurrection as proof of his divine authority.
How does this apply to people who doubt today?
It teaches that sometimes, despite asking for signs or evidence, true faith involves trusting in God's word and actions without needing constant reassurance.
What can we learn about the Pharisees from their request?
The Pharisees’ request shows a lack of genuine interest in Jesus' teachings and a desire to challenge or trap him rather than seek truth.
Compare Matthew 12:38 across all translations →