MPV Commentary

A Sign Demanded and the Reply--His Mother and Brethren

The occasion of this section was likely the same as that of the preceding passage.

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees responded, saying to Jesus, "We would see a sign from you." They were asking for something immediate and decisive to demonstrate that His miracles came from God, not from any human source. This request was different from their earlier accusations that He was in league with Satan.

39 But Jesus replied, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but there will be no sign given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." The term "evil and adulterous" is best understood by comparing it to Jeremiah 3:20, where God says, "Surely as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel." Jesus stood in a covenant relationship with the people of Israel, much like a husband and wife.

40 For just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation. As Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the whale (Jonah 1:17), so too will the Son of Man spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. This was Jesus' second public announcement of His resurrection, which would take place three days after His death.

41 The men of Nineveh will rise up with this generation at the judgment, saying, "Have we not repented at the preaching of Jonah?" Similarly, the queen of the south will rise up and say, "I came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon; how much more should you have repented at the preaching of One greater than Solomon."

42-45 When an unclean spirit is gone out of a man, it roams through desolate places seeking rest. However, when it finds none, it returns to its original home, finding it swept and furnished. This parable is similar to the one in Matthew 12:29.

A related incident is recorded in Luke 11:27-28, where a woman from the crowd exclaimed, "Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!" Jesus responded by saying, "Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it." This response highlights the importance of obedience to God's word over physical relationships.

His Mother and Brethren Seek to Speak with Him and the Answer

46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak with him. They were unable to get through the crowd (Luke 8:19). According to Mark 3:20-21, they had come to take hold of Him because He seemed beside Himself.

47 One person then said to Jesus, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak with you." Jesus felt that this interruption was unseasonable and would dissipate the impression made on the large audience. Instead of rebuking them directly, He used the opportunity to convey a profound lesson.

49 Jesus stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, "Behold my mother and my brothers!"

50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is my brother, sister, and mother. In other words, those who submit to God's will become part of a family that transcends earthly relationships.