Verse 4
Jesus refused to give His critics the sign they wanted. The only sign they would get would be the sign of Jonah when Jesus rose from the dead (cf. Matthew 12:38-42).
"The only sign to Nineveh was Jonah’s solemn warning of near judgment, and his call to repentance-and the only sign now, or rather ’unto this generation no sign,’ [Mark 8:12] was the warning cry of judgment and the loving call to repentance." [Note: Ibid., 2:70.]
"Miracles will give confirmation where there is faith, but not where there is willful unbelief." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:56.]
Jesus withdrew again in response to opposition. However this time Matthew used a stronger word (kataleipo) meaning "to forsake or abandon." Jesus turned His back on these religious leaders because they were hopeless and incorrigible. [Note: Plummer, p. 221.] This was to be Jesus’ last and most important withdrawal from Galilee before His final trip south to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1). He remained outside Galilee through Matthew 17:20, when He returned there from the North.
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