Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 16:1

"And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven." — Matthew 16:1 (ASV)

The King is again met by His foes. Two sects, which were violently opposed to each other, unite their forces against Him. It is the way of the wicked to become friends when seeking the overthrow of the kingdom of heaven.

On this occasion they do not come with a question, but with the old demand for a sign. This time it must be “a sign from heaven,” possibly a marvel in the sky. What right did they have to set Him a test of such a kind as their fancy might suggest? What need was there for more signs when His miracles were so many? Were not all His miracles signs from heaven? Did not this demand cast a slur on all that He had already done? Was it not a practical ignoring of all His previous works of power?

Too often we also have fallen into the weakness of asking for a new token of divine love, thus undervaluing previous favors. If the evidence we have already received of our Lord’s grace and power is not enough, when will our doubts be ended?

In this demand for a sign, our Lord’s foes were tempting Him. Did the temptation lie in urging Him to seek His own glory by some ostentatious display of power, for which there would be no real need? Whatever it was, our Lord passed unscathed through this ordeal, for there was no pride in Him. Pharisees and Sadducees will tempt us also. From their wiles and smiles may the Lord deliver us! From the desire to stand well with men may we be happily freed by our love to Jesus!