Matthew 12:38

“Then certain of the Scribes and Pharisees answered, etc.] Not the same that charged him with casting out devils, by the prince of devils; but others, that were present, as appears from (<421116>Luke 11:16) and who do not take upon them to make a proper reply to what he had said, or return an answer to that, but address him on another account; being willing to divert the discourse, and try what they could do with him in another, and more gentle and crafty way; saying, master, not fellow, magician, Samaritan, thou that hast a devil, and casts out devils by Beelzebub, and art a devil, and Beelzebub himself; but doctor, teacher, allowing him, at least, in a flattering way, that he was an…”

“A SIGN DEMANDED AND THE REPLY--HIS MOTHER AND BRETHREN SEEK TO SPEAK WITH HIM, AND THE ANSWER. ( = Luk 11:16, Luk 11:24-36; Mar 3:31-35; Luk 8:19-21). (Mat 12:38-50) Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master--"Teacher," equivalent to "Rabbi." we would see a sign from thee--"a sign from heaven" (Luk 11:16); something of an immediate and decisive nature, to show, not that His miracles were real--that they seemed willing to concede--but that they were from above, not from beneath. These were not the same class with those who charged Him with being in league with Satan (as we see from Luk 11:15-16); but as the spirit of both was similar, the tone of severe rebuke…”

“We would see a sign from thee - See Luke 11:16, Luke 11:29-32. A “sign” commonly signifies a miracle - that is, a sign that God was with the person or had sent him. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:11. Luke adds that this was done “tempting him;” that is, trying him, doubting if he had the power to do it. If these persons had been present with him for any considerable time, they had already seen sufficient proofs that he was what he claimed to be. They might have been, however, those who had recently come, and then the emphasis must be laid on “we” - we, as well as the others, would see a proof that thou art the Christ. In either case it was a temptation. If they had not seen him work a…”

“We would see a sign - Else we will not believe this. Mat 16:1; Luk 11:16, Luk 11:29. Matthew 12:39”

“12:38 a miraculous sign to prove: A popular expectation of the Messiah, probably fueled by biblical accounts about Moses (Exod 4:1-9; see also Isa 7:11, 14; 38:7-8), was that the Messiah would display spectacular miracles on command (see Matt 16:1-4; Luke 23:8; John 2:18; 4:48; 6:30; 7:31; 9:16; 11:47; 1 Cor 1:22).”

“Master: Mat 16:1-4; Mar 8:11, Mar 8:12; Luk 11:16, Luk 11:29; Joh 2:18, Joh 4:48; Co1 1:22 Matthew 12:39”