Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees for seeking signs, but He promises to give a sign, the sign of Jonah. Two observations: First: Signs are given; signs are gifts.

Second, the first time we hear of “giving signs” in the Bible is Deuteronomy 13, which describes Israel’s proper response to a false prophet who attempts to seduce Israel away from Yahweh. Perhaps Jesus is suggesting that the scribes and Pharisees are looking to be seduced; seeking a sign is seeking an occasion for adultery, for following false gods by following a false prophet.