99. An Answer to Those Seeking a Sign in the Regions of Magdala and Dalmanutha. Mt. 15:39; 16:1–4; Mk. 8:10–13

Having sent the people away, the Lord Jesus immediately got into a boat with His disciples and came to the region of Magdala and Dalmanutha. There the Pharisees and Sadducees came out and, approaching the Lord, began to argue with Him and, testing Him, asked and demanded of Him to show them a sign from heaven. And He, sighing deeply, said: Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.

And He said to them in answer: In the evening you say, “It will be fair, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “Today there will be foul weather, for the sky is crimson.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign; and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

And leaving them, the Lord departed, got back into the boat, and went away to the other side.