It’s not who you think.
These words, wicked and adulterous generation, have been used in countless evangelism meetings, sermons, movies, books and gospel tracts. They are a message that can’t be misunderstood or misinterpreted. There’s absolutely no “wiggle room” in these powerful words from Jesus. They are about as direct as you can get.
But there is a big problem. Or more accurately, we have a big problem. When Jesus said this famous condemnation, he wasn’t speaking to unbelieving sinners. Just the opposite. Jesus was rifling this directly at the spiritually elite and powerful of His day. Jesus had the Pharisees and Sadducees in His crosshairs when He called them a wicked and adulterous generation.
As we look at the life and words of Jesus, He’s constantly calling people of faith to repentance. He was called to the lost sheep of Israel (see Matthew 15:24). So, when Jesus calls for repentance because the Kingdom of God is at hand (see Mark 1:15), His message is directly focused on God’s people.
But why did Jesus use this frightening description at this time? For these people? What great sin had they committed? Murder? Stealing? Lying? Pride? No. It wasn’t one of these or any of the other evils that we think of as the really big, bad sins. It was something much worse.
A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign
Matthew 16:4 CSB
Why was Jesus so upset with them? Not because they asked for a single sign. But because they were presently and actively demanding one sign followed by another. And then another. And another. They were looking at Jesus as some kind of spiritual supplier of supernatural stuff. One miracle wasn’t enough for them. Oh no. They wanted to sit in the Jesus miracle buffet of life where they could order Him around. They wanted to be in charge. Commanding Christ. Telling Him to jump through their hoops.
Secular Miracles
Even though these people were religious, they were asking Jesus for something I call Secular Miracles. So, what exactly is a Secular Miracle? It’s when we don’t ask but demand that God do something miraculous. And He better jump to it and deliver the goods right now.
There are three parts to Secular Miracles.
- We’re deciding that God needs to act. Looking back and forward through time, we’ve figured out that God needs to get off His throne and act.
- We’re defining what God must do. We’ve looked at all the options and have figured out exactly what God needs to do.
- We’re demanding that God do it right now. Since we’ve figured everything out, God better change things immediately while we’ve got His attention.
As we noodle over Secular Miracles in our heads, we’re jumping all over the Pharisees and Sadducees. After all, how could they be so commanding of the creator and sustainer of the universe (see Colossians 1:17)? How could they demand anything from the One who was going to die for them? Who was going to say, “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing” (see Luke 23:34).
But then, we have to look at ourselves. Much of what’s written and spoken today under the umbrella of Christianity is a call for Secular Miracles. These demands on the divine call for God to do exactly what we want. Instead of us following His 10 Commandments, we’re commanding God to give us exactly what we think will bring us happiness, meaning, and purpose. Whether it’s financial or physical healing, we want it our way and right now.
Think about all the heroes of God who lived lives that faithfully followed their Lord and what He wanted. Going where He led. Accepting what He gave. And without any promise that things would get better.
- Joseph – During all those years that Joseph was a slave and in prison, there wasn’t a single word that he’d ever get out (see Genesis 37:12-41:46).
- Job – Once Job’s life and health were struck down, there was never a promise that he’d ever recover physically or have his life restored (see Job 1:6-2:10).
- Timothy – Even though he was active in Paul’s ministry, Timothy suffered from long-term stomach problems that were not healed (see 1 Timothy 5:21).
Even after pleading with God three times to remove that thorn in the flesh, Paul discovered God’s true and powerful purpose for his life and suffering. It was through this thorn in the flesh that Paul came to hear the words God was saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness” (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Tough Question
Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Hebrews 11:35
Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee!
‘Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee;
I crucified thee.[1]
The early church lived through persecution. They were not rescued from it. God didn’t instantly lift them out and plant them
Perhaps the best example of this kind of life is Peter. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter is restored and all looks good. But then Jesus says something really strange. Jesus tells Peter about what’s going to happen. How others are going to tie Peter up and take him where he doesn’t want to go (see John 21:18
Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.
John 21:18-19
There is a whole lot of seeking after a sign going on.
God gives us signs – k God’s self-revelation and human perception.
God’s signs are enough.
[1] Ah, Holy Jesus, Johann Heermann (1630)
Chet’s upcoming book, ServeLife® – How Serving Unlocks Your Purpose walks you through how your life and purpose are just like a stack of pancakes./
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