Luke 11:29

Luke 11:29, in plain English

Jesus calls out the crowd: this generation keeps asking for signs but refuses to believe what's right in front of them. The only sign they'll get is what happened to Jonah.

Why it's here

People kept asking for bigger, flashier miracles instead of responding to the ones they'd already seen. Jesus says the ultimate sign will be His own death and resurrection.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks to the crowd with frustration and urgency, calling out their stubborn refusal to believe.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus is drawing a line. He's done performing for skeptics. The greatest sign of all -- His resurrection -- is coming, and it will be the final proof for anyone willing to see it.

The scholarly reading

Jesus calls this generation ponēra (wicked) for demanding a sēmeion (sign). The only sign given will be that of Jonah -- a reference to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, which parallel Jonah's three days in the great fish.

Language and setting

The sign of Jonah operates on multiple levels: Jonah's submarine burial and restoration, his preaching of repentance to pagans, and the Ninevites' response of faith. Jesus declares He is greater than Jonah.

Voice

Jesus addresses the growing crowds, responding to those who demanded heavenly signs as proof.

Significance

Jesus refuses to perform on demand. The only sign He offers is the sign of Jonah -- a veiled prophecy of His own death and resurrection, the ultimate sign that most will miss.

27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!”

28But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

29As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.

30For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation.

31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.

Read all of Luke 11 — The disciples ask for a prayer, and Jesus gives them words that have echoed for two thousand years. Then he warns against empty religion.