Despite all the victories that God had gained over Pharaoh through the ten plagues to free his people, when the Israelites saw that their lives were in danger, they cried out and complained angrily against Moses, just because they did not dare blame God. But as always, God was in control. The time had come for God to completely set His people free from slavery. God instructs Moses what to do and describes how He is going to work out a mighty miracle to gain victory over Pharaoh.

Despite all the good works that Jesus had done before them, some of the scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from him. In response, Jesus, who describes the generation of his time as "evil and unfaithful", says that he will indeed give them a sign. However, it will not be the kind of sign sought by the scribes and Pharisees. Instead, through his suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus himself will be the sign, that is, he will be the one who will judge his, and successive generations.

Despite all that God has done for us through Jesus, His Son, and the many blessings that He continually pours upon us, in moments of difficulties and challenges, we can fail to recognise his love and mercy. Often we can end up complaining and blaming God, or demanding signs from Him. The readings today remind us that God does not have to put up with our complaints and demands. He is God, and He is the one in control.