In the book of Matthew chapter 12, Jesus talks about the sign of Jonah in response to the Pharisees and scribes who asked Him for a sign to prove His authority. The sign of Jonah is an important biblical reference that Jesus used to show the people of His day that He was the promised Messiah.
In the book of Jonah, God commands the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh to warn its people of the coming judgment. However, Jonah refuses to obey and tries to flee from God, but ends up being swallowed by a great fish and spends three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. After this, Jonah repents and preaches to the people of Nineveh who ultimately turn from their wickedness and are saved from destruction.
Jesus refers to this story and says in Matthew 12:38-40, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus was referring to His death, burial, and resurrection, which would be the ultimate sign of His authority and power as the Messiah.
The sign of Jonah is a symbol of death and resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate proof that He is the Son of God. It is through His death and resurrection that we have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
