Signs of the Times (Matthew 16:1-3)

2022-02-27

When Jesus came, many who were supposed to recognize who He was did not. Consider the religious rulers of His day:

The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (Matthew 16:1-3)

Other parts of Scripture talk about how Jesus came at the fullness of times: Roman roads increased travel ability, a mostly universal language (Greek) with an Old Testament translation in that language, synagogues across the world to introduce the God of the Bible, and Israel was under the oppression of wicked rulers. Everything was in place for the propagation of the Gospel.

Jesus challenged the rulers that they should have recognized Him because of these signs, not to mention the myriad miracles He did. They should have known who He was. The biggest sign was to come: the sign of Jonah, or the death and resurrection of Christ.

We are currently in the middle of signs of different times and have been for years. The things mentioned above about the fullness of times are now virtual. Internet technology has allowed improvements communications to avoid travel, to translate from various languages, and to research information. “...many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.”

We also long have had a Jewish nation restored and the tools for a cashless society to be in place, which are prerequisites for some of the end times events to take place.

Stop asking the question, “Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:4). The times are fuller than they ever have been. The signs should expedite our anticipation of His return.