Sign Seekers
Matthew 16:1–4
1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
President Howard W. Hunter said:
“There have always been those who wanted a sign before they would believe. During His ministry the Master was asked on many occasions for a sign.
“‘The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
“‘He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
“‘And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
“‘A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign . . .’ (Matt. 16:1–4).
“Perhaps it was with them, as with many today, truth is not recognized as truth unless accompanied by the sensational. What would have been accomplished had the Lord called down thunder and lightning, or plucked a star from the sky, or divided the water to satisfy the curiosity of men? They would probably have said it was the work of the devil, or their eyes deceived them.”
(In Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 131.)
