Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 16:2

"But he answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, [It will be] fair weather: for the heaven is red." — Matthew 16:2 (ASV)

Jesus’ point here is clear enough: the Pharisees and Sadducees can read the “signs” that predict weather, but they remain oblivious to the “signs of the times” already happening. These signs testify to Jesus and the kingdom now dawning (cf. 11:4–6; 12:28). The proof that they cannot discern the signs is simply that they ask for a sign (v.1)!