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
But perhaps God has something better in mind. Something more importance then our immediate happiness.
Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.
Hebrews 11:35
The early church lived through persecution. They were not rescued from it. God didn’t instantly lift them out and plant them in a land of milk and honey. There was lots of pain and suffering. Thousands were killed and tortured as they sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God.
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
God gives us signs for His glory and purpose. It’s for God’s self-revelation and human perception of who He is. God’s signs are enough. The ones He answers and performs just show us some of His greatness. Not all of it.
Jesus’ signs and wonders were not to show off. They had certain, specific purposes. Here are three that we need to work through. Consider. Let God convict and change our hearts with.
Authority to Forgive Sins – When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, Jesus says that the physical healing was to prove He had the divine authority to forgive sins.
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralytic— 11 “I tell you: get up, take your mat, and go home.”
Mark 2:10,11 CSB
Witness to His Identity – Jesus pointed directly to His miraculous works as the evidence that testified on His behalf.
I did tell you and you don’t believe,” Jesus answered them. “The works that I do in my Father’s name testify about me
John 10:25 CSB
Something More Important
After Peter and John were threatened by the Jewish leadership, the disciples raised their voices to God. And what’s their prayer priority? It wasn’t for their enemies to be struck down. It wasn’t for the elimination of persecution. The first thing they pray for is boldness to speak God’s word.
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Acts 4:29,30 CSB
God wants more boldness in our lives. And God’s power is our source. But that might mean that we walk through the shadow of death with Him. Hand in hand as the fires of pain, persecutions, and problems bring that burning heat to our lives.
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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