The Sign of Jonah

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, (A)we wish to see a sign from you.” 39 But he answered them, (B)“An evil and (C)adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For (D)just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, (E)so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 (F)The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and (G)condemn it, for (H)they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, (I)something greater than Jonah is here. 42 (J)The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, (K)something greater than Solomon is here.

Return of an Unclean Spirit

43 “When (L)the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through (M)waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and (N)the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this (O)evil generation.”

Jesus' Mother and Brothers

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, (P)his mother and his (Q)brothers[a] stood outside, asking to speak to him.[b] 48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For (R)whoever (S)does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Matthew 12:46 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 48, 49
  2. Matthew 12:46 Some manuscripts insert verse 47: Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you”

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine  Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $69.99
Save: $55.00 (44%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
ESV Student Study Bible, TruTone, Sky Blue with Ivy Design
Retail: $44.99
Our Price: $20.99
Save: $24.00 (53%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
John, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
John, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $6.99
Our Price: $4.79
Save: $2.20 (31%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Large Print , Hardcover
ESV Study Bible, Large Print , Hardcover
Retail: $74.99
Our Price: $47.49
Save: $27.50 (37%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars