The Rev. Canon Bonnie-Marie Yager-Wiggan
What is the sign of Jonah? If you are familiar with the story of Jonah, you might have several ideas about what a “sign” could be: the boat in the storm or a big fish.
Jesus is preaching that the kingdom of God has come near. He performed miracles early in his ministry to illustrate the nature of this kingdom and to demon- strate he had come from God with the power of God. Yet, people desired more signs, miracles, or proof. (He has just cast out a demon, but still, more is needed before people will believe.)
As the crowds increase, Jesus makes his point crystal clear to an audience who would know the story of Jonah. Jonah was the sign to all those living in Ninevah –his preaching of repentance and God’s mercy as God’s prophet–just as Jesus is the greater sign as he declares the Kingdom of God (himself, in fact) has come near full of grace and truth.
The people of Ninevah repented when they heard the Word of the Lord from Jonah, yet the people around Jesus were missing something greater–God, in their pres- ence. It can be easy to miss what is right in front of us or doubt what might seem too good to be true. We, too, can long for a sign. But, friends, God is still in the midst of us today.
You may be distracted or overwhelmed with information, unable to trust your mind and intuition, busy with life, family, and work, or fighting despair, exhaustion, or indifference. Jesus still is the sign for us, and hear his words for you today:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
Canon Bonnie-Marie Yager-Wiggan has served at Trinity Cathedral since 2021. She and her husband, Jamie, enjoy exploring Pittsburgh with their Scottish terrier, Greyfriar.
Watts, George Frederick, 1817-1904. Jonah, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=57597 [retrieved February 13, 2023].
