Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 16:3

"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 16:3 (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)!