“An Evil Generation”

Tuesday, September 07, 2021

BIBLE READING: Luke 11

“When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “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)

Jesus always cut straight to the heart. As the crowds increased, most people were interested but insatiable. Much like he told another crowd, “You’re not here because you saw signs, but because you ate and were satisfied” (John 6.26, paraphrased). He had previously cast out a demon and people were still seeking a sign from him (Luke 11.16). He would not indulge their carnal curiosities (Luke 11.29); it was evil and wicked generation that needed to repent. His sharp remarks got their attention. They would get a sign, but it is one they had already seen: the sign of Jonah.

Jonah preached to a godless people. Even though Jonah lacked mercy for them, God saw fit to warn them of coming judgment and call them to repent. When he did, they not only listened by changed their lives (Jonah 3). Jesus calls this to witness against his listeners, along with another: The Queen of the South. She heard about the wisdom of Solomon, but did not believe it (2 Chronicles 9.6). So, she sought him out asked many hard questions (2 Chronicles 9.1). Ultimately, she could not deny the wisdom on display, and she gave glory to God (2 Chronicles 9.8). 

In the same way, Jesus came with a message of repentance (Matthew 4.17). People, amazed by his understanding and answers, flocked to Jesus with hard questions and to evaluate what had been told (Luke 2.47). But sadly, many still did not listen. They were intrigued but skeptical. They were caught up in their own wisdom and blinded by pride. They were an evil generation. 

I wonder if the same could be said for our generation. Many people would rather rewrite the past than learn from it. Many would rather trust their own wisdom than seek it out. Many want to be around Jesus but not actually follow him. 

We are given the same witness as Jesus’ listeners… but also something greater. We see with clarity the work of God through Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose to both judge the world and save it (John 3.16-18). Many of us have responded in faith, but are we sharing this message? Do we ourselves continue in obedient faith? Or do we desire another sign… a further confirmation… a surer revelation? Often, what we are looking for is confirmation that already exists.  

We must continue to look to God's signs in the past. His word bears witness to God’s faithfulness, both to bless and to judge. It enlightens us to the human condition that is prone to doubt and wander. This is why faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10.17). It recenters our attention on Jesus and empowers us to follow and imitate him. It’s ok to have questions, but we must “go onto maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works” (Hebrews 6.1).

Our hearts are fickle. The world we live in is evil. Let us set our eyes upon Jesus. Let us consider the outcome of those who have gone before us. Let us not be foolish but understand and pursue the will of God in our lives. 

“…whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15.4)

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