Why Jesus was Buried (Matthew 12:38-42)

The crowds were fickle- cheering on Palm Sunday, wanting Jesus killed a few days later.

Oliver Cromwell, who took the British throne away from Charles I and established the Commonwealth, said to a friend, “Do not trust to the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you and I were going to be hanged.”

Can relate to singing at church on Sunday, and being sideswiped by doubts later in the week

1. We sometimes want proof of who Jesus is

2. Instead of giving us proof, Jesus deals with the underlying issue (the reason we would like a sign)

a. He doesn’t give us the proof we desire
b. The greatest clue to his identity has been given in his death, burial, and resurrection

i. He was buried for three days and three nights
ii. He was rescued from death
iii. He was seen publicly – Ninevites saw what happened to Jonah when he arrived at the city; appeared as one delivered from death
iv. His message has been validated by his return from death

c. The resurrection of Jesus calls for a response of faith