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1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar,which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of themwere two hundred; and all their brethrenwere at their commandment.

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matthew 16:3
And in the morning,It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. Oye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye notdiscern the signs of the times?

that.

Luke 19:42-44
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the thingswhich belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes…

Daniel 9:24-26
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy…

Haggai 2:7
And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky.
Here, Jesus acknowledges the people's ability to predict weather patterns by observing natural signs. In the ancient world, especially in an agrarian society like first-century Judea, understanding the weather was crucial for survival. People would look at the sky to predict rain or fair weather, a practice that was common and necessary. This ability to interpret natural signs is contrasted with their inability to discern spiritual truths. The reference to the earth and sky may also allude to the broader creation, which, according toRomans 1:20, reveals God's invisible qualities.

Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time?
This question challenges the audience to recognize the significance of the era they are living in. "The present time" refers to the period of Jesus' ministry, which was marked by the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of God's kingdom. Despite the clear signs of Jesus' messianic identity—His miracles, teachings, and fulfillment of prophecy—the people, particularly the religious leaders, failed to recognize Him as the Messiah. This inability to interpret the spiritual significance of Jesus' presence is a central theme in the Gospels. The "present time" is also a call to urgency, as it signifies a pivotal moment in salvation history, much like the "day of the Lord" mentioned in prophetic literature such asJoel 2:31.

Jesus opens with a blunt accusation, exposing the spiritual duplicity of His listeners—especially the religious leaders.

•Matthew 23:27-28 echoes this rebuke: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites!”

•Isaiah 29:13 shows the heart issue behind hypocrisy: honoring God outwardly while the heart is “far from Me.”

• By calling them hypocrites, the Lord affirms that genuine faith is measured by inward reality, not public show.

The crowd could read natural signs and predict tomorrow’s weather, proving they were capable of observation and reasoning.

•Matthew 16:2-3 records the same illustration: “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’…”

•Job 37:14 urges, “Listen to this, Job; stand still and consider the wonders of God,” highlighting mankind’s God-given ability to study creation.

• Everyday indicators—cloud formations, wind shifts, sunrise colors—were accurately read, yet this practical discernment never translated into spiritual understanding.

Why could they do this?

– God created an orderly world that testifies to Him (Psalm 19:1).

– Experience sharpened their senses; a shepherd or farmer’s livelihood depended on noticing subtle changes.

– They trusted what they saw; if the sky glowed red, they prepared for heat or rain without hesitation.

Although they could forecast the weather, they failed to grasp the significance of standing face-to-face with the promised Messiah.

•Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”

•Luke 19:44 laments that Jerusalem “did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

•2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us, “Now is the favorable time; now is the day of salvation.”

Signs they missed:

– Fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 35:5-6—miraculous healings Jesus performed).

– John’s forerunner ministry (Malachi 3:1).

– Jesus’ own miracles and authoritative teaching (Luke 7:22).

Practical takeaway:

• Spiritual perception requires a receptive heart (Acts 28:26-27).

• Intellectual skill in everyday matters does not guarantee insight into God’s works.

• The “present time” still calls for discernment—recognizing Christ’s lordship and the imminence of His return (Romans 13:11-12).

Luke 12:56 confronts people who are sharp in earthly matters yet dull to eternal realities. Jesus exposes hypocrisy, shows that natural observation alone is insufficient, and urges His hearers to wake up to God’s unfolding plan. The same Lord still asks us to read the spiritual signs, respond to His revelation, and live ready for His kingdom.

(1)The low state of morality among public men. Did none of them notice how utterly corrupt were priests and scribes and people, how hollow and meaningless their boasted religious rites, how far removed from them was the presence of the God of their fathers?

(2)Political situation. Did none of them notice the terribly strained relations between the Roman or Herodian, and the great national party? Were they blind to the bitter, irreconcilable hatred to mighty Rome which was seething scarcely beneath the surface of Jewish society? Were they deaf to the rumbling noises which too surely heralded a fierce and bloody war between little Palestine, split up into parties and sects, and the mighty world of Rome which had seized them in its own grip? What could be the result of such a war? Were they devoid of reason as well as blind and deaf?

(3)Heavenly warnings. What had they done with John the Baptist? Many in Israel knew that man was indeed a great prophet of the Lord. His burning words had penetrated far and wide; vast crowds had heard the awful sounds with breathless awe; but no one heeded, and the people watched him die. And now - they had listened to him who was speaking to them. He had told them all; no sign of power was wanting to his ministry, and it was just over, and the people had not repented.

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