From: April 5, 2026
“‘This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.’” (Luke 11:29 ESV)
Luke recorded that as the crowds increased, Jesus confronted them for their unbelief and desire for more signs. He spoke to a generation that had already witnessed His power, yet continued to demand further proof. Jesus declared that no additional sign would be given except the sign of Jonah. As Matthew also recorded, this sign referred to Jonah’s three days in the fish, which foreshadowed Christ’s own death, burial, and resurrection after three days (Matt. 12:40). At the same time, Jonah himself was a sign to the people of Nineveh, whose repentance demonstrated that they believed God’s message through him. Therefore, Jesus both pointed forward to His resurrection and exposed the hardness of those who refused to repent despite greater revelation. His words also anticipated a coming judgment, when all will be raised and held accountable before God.
Today, on Easter Sunday, we rejoice that the sign of Jonah has already been given. Jesus has risen from the dead. We were not eyewitnesses, but we are called to believe the message of those who were. Like the people of Nineveh, we can respond with repentance and faith when we hear God’s Word. Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of our own, guaranteeing that those who belong to Him will be raised to eternal life, while those who reject Him will face judgment. So we must ask ourselves: what does this generation seek? Do we demand more proof, or do we believe the risen Christ? On this Easter, let us be a people who trust what God has already revealed and live in light of His resurrection and coming judgment. Let us pray for revival in this generation.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we praise You on this Easter Sunday for raising Jesus from the dead. Strengthen our hope in the resurrection, knowing that Jesus is the firstfruits and that we will be raised in Him. Keep us mindful of the coming judgment and faithful in proclaiming the gospel to others. Make us a generation that seeks You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: April 5, 2025
“For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation” (Luke 11:30 ESV).
The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were constantly demanding signs to prove who He was. Yet Jesus pointed them to one powerful sign that foreshadowed His ultimate mission: the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of the great fish before being brought out to proclaim a message of repentance, Jesus would spend three days in the tomb before rising from the dead to offer salvation.
Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only sign that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the sign of Jonah.
We live in a world that still asks for signs and for proof. But Jesus has already given us the greatest one—the empty tomb. His resurrection is the proof of who He is and the promise of our hope. May we let this truth shape our days. Instead of living in fear, we can live in faith. Instead of seeking signs, we can proclaim the sign already given. Today, let’s walk in resurrection power, confident in the Savior who conquered sin, death, and the grave, and share that Good News with everyone.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are filled with joy as we remember the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us to live according to His resurrection power every day, not in fear but faith. Use us this day to proclaim the Good News concerning Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: April 5, 2024
“Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls” (Luke 11:17 ESV).
Jesus responded to those who accused him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, with the irrefutable logic that a divided kingdom or house falls. His response showed that not only was their accusation false, it was foolish.
This principle of unity and division that Jesus gave has proven itself true over and over again, whether it be said of homes or nations. Indeed, internal strife has more often led to the fall of many a great people that no external threat ever could. Division weakens, but unity strengthens.
What do you see in your house, your church, your city, your land? Do you see unity or division?
PRAYER: Dear Father, make us one with You. For the only true unity is found in being right with You and being filled with Your Spirit. Give us unity of purpose and unity of love that we might follow Your Son, Jesus in all things. In His name we pray, amen.
From: April 5, 2023
“When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don’t let me sleep” (Psalm 77:2-4 NLT).
The psalmist spoke of a time when God had kept him awake. He couldn’t stop his mind from remembering the past and considering his troubles, when finally he considered the possibility that it was the Lord who kept him from closing his eyes. So he sought the Lord in his time of trouble.
Have you ever had this experience? Turning from side to side, readjusting your pillow, trying to count sheep, yet sleep wouldn’t come? Have you considered the possibility that it is the Lord who is keeping you awake? Maybe He wants to talk with you. Your days are so full of noise and busyness that the night is the only time when you might actually notice His voice.
Remember the story of young Samuel? He was awakened three times in the night thinking it was his master Eli calling him. But finally Eli told him it must be the Lord. So when he heard the Lord saying his name the fourth time, Samuel replied, “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10). And the Lord spoke to him.
The next time you can’t sleep, try saying what Samuel did. “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” Get out of your bed and get down on your knees and listen. Find out what God has to say. Hearing from the Lord is better than sleep.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are weak and often exhausted. We desire rest, but sleep sometimes won’t come. We forget to talk to You about it. Forgive us. Speak Lord, we are listening. Your Word is life to us. You alone can give us true rest for our souls. Speak. And give us the strength we need for this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: April 5, 2015
As Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days, so Jesus would be in the tomb 3 days before rising again. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy and prediction concerning His life, death and resurrection. The only “sign” that Jesus offered those who questioned His authority was the “sign” of Jonah. And it is the fulfillment of this “sign” that we celebrate on this Easter Sunday! He is risen! He is risen indeed!