THE GREATEST SIGN

Luke 11:29-32 (NRSV) -  When 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. 30 For just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the Son of Man will be to this generation. 31 The 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 see, something greater than Solomon is here! 32 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here!
   

Solomon receives the Queen of Sheba
Painting by Edward Poynter, 1890

Our generation seeks a sign and does not realize
how many signs have been displayed before their very eyes.
The Queen of Sheba traveled far, King Solomon to hear,
but someone who is far greater than Solomon is here.
The citizens of Nineveh repented, when they heard
the prophet Jonah’s proclamation of God’s holy word.
Our generation, like the one of Jesus’ time, I fear,
has failed to see that something greater than Jonah is here.
The teachings, and example, and the works of Jesus Christ
for every generation since his death should have sufficed.