John Calvin Commentary Luke 11:16

"And others, trying [him], sought of him a sign from heaven." — Luke 11:16 (ASV)

And others tempting sought from him a sign. Something similar to this is later related by Matthew (Matthew 16:4) and by Mark (Mark 8:11–12). Therefore, it is evident that Christ repeatedly attacked them on this subject, so that there was no end to the wickedness of those men who had once resolved¹⁶³ to oppose the truth.

There can be no doubt that they ask for a sign to plead, as a plausible pretext for their unbelief, that Christ’s calling has not been properly attested. They do not express such submissiveness as to be prepared to yield to two or three miracles, and even less to be satisfied with a single miracle. Instead, as I hinted a little earlier, they excuse their unbelief in the Gospel with the pretext that Christ shows no sign of it from heaven.¹⁶⁴

He had already performed miracles before their eyes that were sufficiently numerous and clear. But, as if these were not enough for the confirmation of doctrine, they wish to have something shown from heaven, by which God will, so to speak, make a visible appearance.

They call him Master, according to custom, for such was the title given at that time to all scribes and expounders of the law. But they do not acknowledge him to be a prophet of God until he produces a testimony from heaven. The meaning therefore is: “Since you profess to be a teacher and Master, if you desire that we should be your disciples, let God declare from heaven that He is the Author of your teaching, and let Him confirm your calling by a miracle.”

¹⁶³ “Qui une fois s’estoyent endurcis;” — “who had once become hardened.”;” — “who had once become hardened.”

¹⁶⁴ “Que Christ ne leur monstre aucun signe d’enhaut qui soit pour seelet ceste doctrine;” — “that Christ shows them no sign from above that is sufficient to seal this doctrine.”;” — “that Christ shows them no sign from above that is sufficient to seal this doctrine.”