What Did Jesus Say about Looking for Signs? | Matthew 16 Bible Lesson

What Did Jesus Say About Looking for Signs? | Matthew 16:1–4

Have you ever asked God for a sign? Maybe you’ve prayed, “Lord, if You’re really there, please show me.” Many of us long for proof—something we can see or touch—to strengthen our faith. But in this Matthew Bible lesson, Jesus teaches that faith goes deeper than what meets the eye.

Let’s read what Jesus said about looking for signs and what it means for us today.

Asking Jesus for a Sign

The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.

But He replied, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’

And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’

You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.

An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.”

– Matthew 16:1–4 (NASB)

Understanding the Context

During His ministry, Jesus was constantly being tested by the Pharisees and Sadducees. These two groups often disagreed about Scripture, but they shared one thing in common—they opposed Christ. When they demanded a miracle “from heaven,” they weren’t looking to believe. They were looking to trap Him.

Still, Jesus saw through their motives. He knew that even if He performed another miracle in the sky, their hearts would remain unchanged. You can read more about how prophecy and faith connect in this study on Old Testament prophecies.

Are We Still Looking for Signs Today?

Let’s be honest—many of us do the same thing today. Even though we have the entire Bible filled with evidence of God’s power—from Moses parting the sea to Jonah’s story (the “sign of Jonah” Jesus mentioned)—we still sometimes say, “Lord, just show me one more miracle.”

But faith isn’t about seeing. It’s about trusting what we already know to be true. As Jesus said later in John 20:29:

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Faith Over Sight

Faith is believing even when we can’t see. It’s trusting that God’s plan is good, even when we don’t understand it. True faith grows through prayer, Scripture, and a relationship with Christ—not through chasing signs or miracles.

When God Feels Silent

Sometimes, God doesn’t give us the sign we’re asking for. But that doesn’t mean He’s not working. Think about your own life—how many times have you looked back and realized that God was guiding you all along?

Through His Holy Spirit, God strengthens us in hard times, comforts us in sorrow, and rejoices with us in victory. Those quiet moments of faith are miracles in themselves.

Miracles Still Happen

God still performs miracles today. But they happen in His timing and for His purpose. Our part is to trust and obey, just as He calls us to do in the Great Commission.

Want to learn more about how faith leads to eternal life? Visit this John 3:16 reflection to discover the heart of the gospel message.

Final Thoughts: Believe Without Seeing

Jesus doesn’t need to prove Himself to us—He already did that on the cross. Our role is to believe, even when we can’t see the whole picture. As followers of Christ, we can trust that His promises are true, His plan is perfect, and His love never fails.

Faith doesn’t start with a sign in the sky—it begins in the heart.

In Christ,
– Bob

If you’d like to learn more about knowing Jesus personally, take a moment to read John 3:16. Or, learn more about God’s promises and His plan for our lives through other Bible lessons.