Thursday after Invocavit Sunday

Devotion

Today’s reading lies in the midst of challenges leveled against Jesus. The people continue to ask for authenticating signs, even though Jesus had just cast out a demon. In response, Jesus calls them an “evil generation.” Four times He refers to this “generation,” indicating a whole class of people who have hardened their hearts against Jesus being the Messiah. Even the challenging Ninevites were turned by the preaching of Jonah, as well as the Queen of the South by the witness of Solomon. In both cases, the Word brought by mere men converted Gentiles. But now, the Word made flesh is rejected by those who are supposed to be God’s special people; thus the statement by Jesus that their generation is “faithless and perverse” (Luke 9:41).

These characteristics are not only common to the people of Jesus’ day, but to people of any age. Wherever there is rejection of the Word, individually or corporately, the judgment is the same: everlasting destruction. Let us therefore avoid the trap that so entangled the people of Jesus’ day, seeking Him where He hasn’t promised to be found. Instead, let us immerse ourselves in the Means of Grace, where He is not only found, but brings us forgiveness, life, and salvation.