The sign-seekers.
After Jesus had denounced the blasphemy of the scribes and Pharisees, and threatened them with the severity of the judgment, certain of their number demanded of him a sign to sustain his asserted authority. In his reply we notice—
I. THAT THE SINNERS ARE REBUKED IN MERCY.
1. They sought a sign, viz., from heaven.
2. But this sign was not for that generation.
3. He gave them the sign from the earth.
(a) As to the fact.
(b) As to the time (vide Exposition; see also Hosea 6:2).
II. THAT THE SINNERS ARE ADMONISHED OF JUDGMENT.
1. The men of Nineveh will confront them there.
2. The queen of the south will confront them there.
III. THAT THE SINNERS ARE WARNED OF DOOM.
1. The sentence is the sequel of the trial.
2. Communities are punished in this world.
3. Individuals also are punished for sin.
(a) He finds it "empty" of God, of Christ, of his Holy Spirit.
(b) It is "swept" from love, lowliness, meekness, and all the fruits of the Spirit.
(c) It is "garnished" with levity and security.
The lodgings are furnished. "Servants make the house trim and handsome against their master comes home, especially when he brings guests with him, as here the devil brings seven more'" (Gurnall).
(a) His powers were expanded under the heavenly influences of the gospel, and he is the more capable now of refinement in iniquity. He can now entertain "seven" devils, whereas formerly he had accommodation for one only.
(b) Evil habits are formed and strengthened by relapses. The condition induced by multiplied relapses is therefore the more incurable.