Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.
The men of Nineveh
This phrase refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Historically, Nineveh was known for its great size and power, as well as its wickedness, which is why God sent Jonah to call them to repentance. The mention of "the men of Nineveh" serves as a powerful reminder of their collective response to Jonah's message. In the Hebrew context, Nineveh's repentance is a testament to the power of God's word, even when delivered by a reluctant prophet like Jonah. Their willingness to turn from their evil ways contrasts sharply with the hardness of heart seen in Jesus' contemporaries.

will stand at the judgment
This phrase indicates a future event, the final judgment, where all people will be held accountable for their actions. The imagery of "standing" suggests a formal and solemn occasion, where witnesses testify to the truth. In the Greek, the word "stand" (ἀναστήσονται, anastēsontai) implies resurrection and presence, highlighting the seriousness of the judgment day. The men of Nineveh, who lived centuries before Christ, will rise to bear witness against those who rejected Jesus, emphasizing the universal scope of God's judgment.

with this generation
Here, "this generation" refers to the people living during Jesus' earthly ministry, particularly those who witnessed His miracles and teachings yet remained unrepentant. In a broader sense, it can also apply to any group of people who have been exposed to the truth of the Gospel but choose to ignore it. The phrase underscores the accountability of those who have received greater revelation and yet fail to respond appropriately. Historically, Jesus often criticized the religious leaders and people of His time for their unbelief and hypocrisy.

and condemn it
The word "condemn" (κατακρινοῦσιν, katakrinousin) in Greek carries the idea of passing judgment or declaring someone guilty. The men of Nineveh, by their example of repentance, will serve as a living indictment against those who have rejected Jesus. This condemnation is not merely a verbal rebuke but a profound spiritual truth that highlights the gravity of rejecting God's message. The contrast between Nineveh's repentance and the stubbornness of Jesus' audience serves as a warning to all who hear the Gospel.

for they repented
Repentance (μετενόησαν, metenoēsan) is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, involving a complete change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. The men of Nineveh's repentance was genuine and immediate, as recorded in the book of Jonah. Their response to Jonah's preaching demonstrates the power of God's word to transform even the most hardened hearts. This serves as a model for true repentance, which is more than mere regret but involves a decisive turning to God.

at the preaching of Jonah
Jonah's preaching was a direct message from God, calling the people of Nineveh to repentance. Despite Jonah's initial reluctance, his message was effective because it was empowered by God. The Greek word for "preaching" (κήρυγμα, kērugma) refers to a proclamation or heralding of divine truth. Jonah's message was simple yet profound, and the Ninevites' response shows the potential impact of faithful proclamation. This highlights the responsibility of those who hear God's word to respond in faith and obedience.

and now One greater than Jonah is here
This phrase points to Jesus Himself, who is greater than Jonah in every respect. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, the Word made flesh, whose teachings and miracles far surpass those of any prophet. The Greek word for "greater" (πλεῖον, pleion) emphasizes the superiority and preeminence of Christ. Jesus' presence among His contemporaries was a unique and unparalleled opportunity for them to encounter God's grace and truth. The failure to recognize and respond to Jesus' ministry is a grave error, underscoring the urgency of accepting Him as Lord and Savior.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Men of Nineveh
The inhabitants of the ancient city of Nineveh, who repented after hearing Jonah's message of impending judgment.

2. Jonah
A prophet sent by God to Nineveh to warn them of their wickedness and the coming judgment.

3. This Generation
Refers to the people of Jesus' time, particularly the religious leaders who were skeptical of His message and miracles.

4. Judgment
The future event where all people will be held accountable for their actions and responses to God's message.

5. One Greater than Jonah
Refers to Jesus Christ, who is greater in authority and message than Jonah.
Teaching Points
The Power of Repentance
The men of Nineveh serve as a powerful example of the transformative power of repentance. Despite their wickedness, their sincere turning to God spared them from judgment.

The Authority of Jesus
Jesus is greater than Jonah, not only in His message but in His divine nature. Recognizing His authority is crucial for salvation.

Accountability to God's Message
Just as Nineveh was accountable to Jonah's message, we are accountable to the message of Christ. Ignoring it leads to spiritual peril.

The Urgency of Response
The people of Nineveh responded immediately to Jonah's warning. We are called to respond with the same urgency to the gospel of Christ.

Judgment and Mercy
God's willingness to forgive Nineveh shows His mercy, but it also underscores the reality of judgment for those who reject His message.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the repentance of Nineveh challenge our understanding of God's mercy and judgment?

2. In what ways does Jesus demonstrate that He is "greater than Jonah" in His ministry and message?

3. How can we apply the urgency of Nineveh's response to our own lives when it comes to repentance and obedience?

4. What are some modern-day "Ninevehs" where we see a need for repentance and turning to God?

5. How does understanding the authority of Jesus impact our daily walk and witness as Christians?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jonah 3
Describes Jonah's mission to Nineveh and the city's subsequent repentance, highlighting the power of God's message through His prophets.

Luke 11:32
A parallel passage where Jesus reiterates the same message about the men of Nineveh and their repentance.

Matthew 12:6
Jesus speaks of being greater than the temple, emphasizing His divine authority and identity.

Acts 17:30-31
Paul speaks of God commanding all people to repent, as He has set a day for judgment through Jesus Christ.
A Greater than Jonas'Alexander MaclarenMatthew 12:41
Last State Worse than FirstMarcus Dods Matthew 12:38-45
One Inevitable Law of JudgmentP.C. Barker Matthew 12:38-45
The Sign-SeekersJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 12:38-45
People
Beelzebub, David, Isaiah, Jesus, Jonah, Jonas, Ninevites, Solomon
Places
Galilee, Nineveh
Topics
Arise, Behold, Condemn, Decision, Generation, Greater, Jonah, Jonas, Judgement, Judging, Judgment, Mark, Nineveh, Nin'eveh, Ninevites, Preaching, Present, Proclamation, Reformed, Repented, Rise, Sins, Someone, Stand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 12:41

     2069   Christ, pre-eminence
     2318   Christ, as prophet
     7725   evangelists, identity
     7757   preaching, effects
     8425   evangelism, nature of

Matthew 12:38-41

     2422   gospel, confirmation

Matthew 12:38-42

     7552   Pharisees, attitudes to Christ

Matthew 12:39-41

     1450   signs, kinds of

Matthew 12:39-42

     2333   Christ, attitude to OT

Matthew 12:39-45

     2009   Christ, anger of
     5694   generation

Matthew 12:41-42

     2012   Christ, authority
     5052   responsibility, to God
     9240   last judgment

Library
An Attempt to Account for Jesus
'But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.'--MATT. xii. 24. Mark's Gospel tells us that this astonishing explanation of Christ and His work was due to the ingenious malice of an ecclesiastical deputation, sent down from Jerusalem to prevent the simple folk in Galilee from being led away by this new Teacher. They must have been very hard put to it to explain undeniable but unwelcome facts, when they hazarded such a preposterous
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'Make the Tree Good'
'... Make the tree good, and his fruit good....' --MATT. xii. 33. In this Gospel we find that our Lord twice uses this image of a tree and its fruit. In the Sermon on the Mount He applies it as a test to false teachers, who hide, beneath the wool of the sheep's clothing, the fangs and paws of ravening wolves. He says, 'By their deeds ye shall know them; for as is the tree so is its fruit.' That is a rough and ready test, which applies rather to the teacher than to his doctrine, but it applies, to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Greater than Jonas'
'A greater than Jonas is here.'--MATT. xii. 41. There never was any man in his right mind, still more of influence on his fellows, who made such claims as to himself in such unmistakable language as Jesus Christ does. To say such things of oneself as come from His lips is a sign of a weak, foolish nature. It is fatal to all influence, to all beauty of character. It is not only that He claims official attributes as a fanatical or dishonest pretender to inspiration may do. He does that, but He does
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

'A Greater than Solomon'
'A greater than Solomon is here.'--MATT. xii. 42. It is condescension in Him to compare Himself with any; yet if any might have been selected, it is that great name. To the Jews Solomon is an ideal figure, who appealed so strongly to popular imagination as to become the centre of endless legends; whose dominion was the very apex of national glory, in recounting whose splendours the historical books seem to be scarce able to restrain their triumph and pride. I. The Man. The story gives us a richly
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's
'At that time Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the corn; and His disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2. But when the Pharisees saw it they said unto Him, Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day. 3. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4. How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak a Word against the Holy Spirit, it Shall not be Forgiven Him, Neither In
1. There has been a great question raised touching the late lesson of the Gospel, to the solution of which I am unequal by any power of mine own; but "our sufficiency is of God," [2335] to whatever degree we are capable of receiving His aid. First then consider the magnitude of the question; that when ye see the weight of it laid upon my shoulders, ye may pray in aid of my labours, and in the assistance which is vouchsafed to me, may find edification for your own souls. When "one possessed with a
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree Good, and Its Fruit Good," Etc.
1. The Lord Jesus hath admonished us, that we be good trees, and that so we may be able to bear good fruits. For He saith, "Either make the tree good, and his fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt, for the tree is known by his fruit." [2484] When He says, "Make the tree good, and his fruit good;" this of course is not an admonition, but a wholesome precept, to which obedience is necessary. But when He saith, "Make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt;" this is not a
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints
I. First, we have before us a view of MORTAL FRAILTY And first, the encouragement offered in our text applies to weak ones. What in the world is weaker than the bruised reed, or the smoking flax? A reed that groweth in the fen or marsh, let but the wild duck light upon it, and it snaps; let but the foot of man brush against it and it is bruised and broken; every wind that comes howling across the river makes it shake to and fro, and well nigh tears it up by the roots. You can conceive of nothing
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

How to Read the Bible
I. That is the subject of our present discourse, or, at least the first point of it, that IN ORDER TO THE TRUE READING OF THE SCRIPTURES THERE MUST BE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEM. I scarcely need to preface these remarks by saying that we must read the Scriptures. You know how necessary it is that we should be fed upon the truth of Holy Scripture. Need I suggest the question as to whether you do read your Bibles or not? I am afraid that this is a magazine reading age a newspaper reading age a periodical
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879

Strength in the Weak.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench."--MATT. xii. 20. Strength in the Weak. Will Jesus accept such a heart as mine?--this erring, treacherous, traitor heart? The past! how many forgotten vows--broken covenants--prayerless days! How often have I made new resolutions, and as often has the reed succumbed to the first blast of temptation, and the burning flax been well-nigh quenched by guilty omissions and guiltier commissions! Oh!
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Identity of Christ's Character.
THE argument expressed by this title I apply principally to the comparison of the first three Gospels with that of Saint John. It is known to every reader of Scripture that the passages of Christ's history preserved by Saint John are, except his passion and resurrection, for the most part different from those which are delivered by the other evangelists. And I think the ancient account of this difference to be the true one, viz., that Saint John wrote after the rest, and to supply what he thought
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
1. Manifest formality in religious exercises. A stereotyped, formal way of saying and doing things, that is clearly the result of habit, rather than the outgushing of the religious life. This formality will be emotionless and cold as an iceberg, and will evince a total want of earnestness in the performance of religious duty. In prayer and in religious exercises the backslider in heart will pray or praise, or confess, or give thanks with his lips, so that all can hear him, perhaps, but in such a
Charles G. Finney—The Backslider in Heart

Lesser and Fuller Forms.
Moreover, we have endeavoured to use the fullest form, including the words of those Gospels which have the lesser forms of sentences, except where the sentence ends in a period, in which case have given the least form, so that the larger form of the other Gospels might be made apparent; as, for instance, this sentence, taken from Matt. xii. 47; Mark iii. 32; Luke viii. 20: ^c 20 And it was told him, ^a Behold, thy mother and thy brethren bseek for thee. ^c stand without desiring to see thee. ^a seeking
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Blasphemous Accusations of the Jews.
(Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 22-37; ^B Mark III. 19-30; ^C Luke XI. 14-23. ^b 19 And he cometh into a house. [Whose house is not stated.] 20 And the multitude cometh together again [as on a previous occasion--Mark ii. 1], so that they could not so much as eat bread. [They could not sit down to a regular meal. A wonderful picture of the intense importunity of people and the corresponding eagerness of Jesus, who was as willing to do as they were to have done.] 21 And when his friends heard it, they went
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Sign Seekers, and the Enthusiast Reproved.
(Galilee on the Same Day as the Last Section.) ^A Matt. XII. 38-45; ^C Luke XI. 24-36. ^c 29 And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, ^a 38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. [Having been severely rebuked by Jesus, it is likely that the scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign that they might appear to the multitude more fair-minded and open to conviction than Jesus had represented them to be. Jesus had just wrought
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Christ's Teaching as to his Mother and Brethren.
(Galilee, Same Day as the Last Lesson.) ^A Matt. XII. 46-50; ^B Mark III. 31-35; ^C Luke VIII. 19-21. ^a 46 While he yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without seeking to speak to him. [Jesus was in a house, probably at Capernaum--Mark iii. 19; Matt. xiii. 1.] ^c 19 and there came { ^b come} ^c to him his mother and ^b his brethren; ^c and they could not come at him for the crowd. ^a and, standing without, they sent unto him, calling him. 32 And the multitude
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Healing a Withered Hand on the Sabbath.
(Probably Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 9-14; ^B Mark III. 1-6; ^C Luke VI. 6-11. ^a 9 And he departed thence. [The word here points to a journey as in Matt. xi. 1 and xv. 29, which are the only places where Matthew uses this expression. Greswell may be right in thinking that it indicates the return back to Galilee from the Passover, since a cognate expression used by John expresses such a journey from Galilee to Judæa. See John vii. 3 ], ^c 6 And it came to pass on another sabbath [another sabbath
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate Men from the Miseries of Our Pagan Life.
The External Life of Christian Peoples Remains Pagan Though they are Penetrated by Christian Consciousness--The Way Out of this Contradiction is by the Acceptance of the Christian Theory of Life--Only Through Christianity is Every Man Free, and Emancipated of All Human Authority--This Emancipation can be Effected by no Change in External Conditions of Life, but Only by a Change in the Conception of Life--The Christian Ideal of Life Requires Renunciation of all Violence, and in Emancipating the Man
Leo Tolstoy—The Kingdom of God is within you

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The First Peræan Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two Kingdoms - their Contest - what Qualifies a Disciple for the Kingdom of God, And
It was well that Jesus should, for the present, have parted from Jerusalem with words like these. They would cling about His hearers like the odour of incense that had ascended. Even the schism' that had come among them [4194] concerning His Person made it possible not only to continue His Teaching, but to return to the City once more ere His final entrance. For, His Peræan Ministry, which extended from after the Feast of Tabernacles to the week preceding the last Passover, was, so to speak,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Opposition to Jesus.
During the first period of his career, it does not appear that Jesus met with any serious opposition. His preaching, thanks to the extreme liberty which was enjoyed in Galilee, and to the number of teachers who arose on all hands, made no noise beyond a restricted circle. But when Jesus entered upon a path brilliant with wonders and public successes, the storm began to gather. More than once he was obliged to conceal himself and fly.[1] Antipas, however, did not interfere with him, although Jesus
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Cardinal was Seated, -- He Rose as Moretti Appeared. ...
The Cardinal was seated,--he rose as Moretti appeared. "I beg your Eminence to spare yourself!" said Moretti suavely, with a deep salutation, "And to pardon me for thus coming unannounced into the presence of one so highly esteemed by the Holy Father as Cardinal Bonpre!" The Cardinal gave a gesture of courteous deprecation; and Monsignor Moretti, lifting his, till then, partially lowered eyelids, flashed an angry regard upon the Abbe Vergniaud, who resting his back against the book-case behind him,
Marie Corelli—The Master-Christian

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