Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 16:2-3

"But he answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, [It will be] fair weather: for the heaven is red. And in the morning, [It will be] foul weather to-day: for the heaven is red and lowering. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot [discern] the signs of the times." — Matthew 16:2-3 (ASV)

They could forecast the weather by certain signs, and our Lord Jesus mentions the weather signs of Palestine, yet they could not read the clearer and more plentiful warnings of the near future. Weather signs are doubtful, but there were moral and spiritual signs around them which could hardly be misunderstood if they would only consider them. Each country has its own sky warnings, and those of Palestine differ from those of England, but the signs of the times are the same in all lands. Our Lord singled out an instance of their supposed weather-wisdom. The same sign which, in the evening, was a sign of fair weather, was, in the morning, a sign of foul weather. They were able to make fine distinctions about the variable condition of the face of the sky; why could they not discern the signs of the times?

They could have seen, if they had chosen to do so, that all the prophecies were united in declaring that the date of the Messiah’s appearing had arrived. They could also have observed that every event was fulfilling those prophecies. But they were false at heart and would not see, and yet cried out for a sign. Signs were all around them, and yet they repeated the parrot cry, Show us a sign. Most justly, our Lord was indignant with them and rebuked them, using the justly severe words, O you hypocrites! Today, the men who want more evidence of the supernatural deserve a similar denunciation.

Lord, do not allow any of us to be blind to the heavenly signs—Your cross, Your resurrection, Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your work of grace. Teach us carefully to discern these things as being indeed the abiding signs of the times. Even in the growing coldness of the Church and the abounding iniquity of the world, let us see the signs of Your Advent, and stand waiting and watching for Your long-promised appearing.