Matthew 12:38-50  The scribes and Pharisees wanted to see "signs"..  they had seen miracle after miracle, yet they were not satisfied, so they tested Jesus again.  But.. Jesus would not play their games.  "An evil  and adulterous generation craves for a sign.. " 

There was only one sign that Jesus was willing to give.. "the sign of Jonah the prophet."  They all knew the story of Jonah.. that he spent 3 days in the belly of a whale.  Likewise, Jesus told them, "the Son of Man" will spend 3 days and nights in "the heart of the earth."  Even when this sign was fulfilled.. they still would not believe.

Jesus makes two more statements that should have spoken to the hearts of these men.. 

"The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgement and shall condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold something greater than Jonah is here." 

And.. "the Queen of the South shall rise up with this generation at the judgement and shall condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold something greater than Solomon is here." 

Jesus compared "this wicked generation".. a generation that sought signs.. that refused to repent.. that failed to seek God.. to a demon-possessed man.. once delivered.. and again overcome with more wicked spirits so that he "becomes worse than the first".   Wickedness increases without repentance and belief in the Truth.  It was true in that day... and it is true in our day. 

Matthew adds on an interesting account at the end of this encounter with the Pharisees and scribes.  The mother and brothers of Jesus came to see Him.  At this time His brothers did not believe in Him as the Messiah.  Jesus was well aware of this. "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?"  He asked.  Not those of the flesh.. but.. "Stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, ' Behold, My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father, who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.' "  It is those who are born again.. who have come to Jesus and who have received Him as Lord and Savior.. who have been made whole by the blood of the Lamb.. who are adopted into the family of God and call Him Father.. we are His brothers and sisters and mother.  Amazing Grace!

Father, we come to You through the amazing grace found in Jesus Christ our Lord.  We ask that You lead us in truth and righteousness.. We pray that we will know the One who is greater than anyone or anything else.. the One who calls us brothers and sisters.. because You have taken us into Your family. Have Your way in us today, Lord. God of peace.. sanctify us entirely.. preserve our spirits, souls and bodies.. complete and without blame at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ... for You are faithful and You will bring it to pass. ( I Thes. 5:23-24)  Praise the Lord! Amen.