Paul used the story of Sarah and Hagar to score points against his theological opponents. He insisted that the promise of God to Abraham and Sarah was about freedom, fulfillment, and life with God. Their descendants through Isaac were the heirs to this promise, and they were descendants by means of faith rather than blood. Faith - which is trust - is what binds us to God and makes us members of God's family. Let our faith in God never waver.

People were anxious for a sign from Jesus that he was the promised one, but he was not eager to grant one. In fact, he was irritated at their request. The only sign that generation would receive, he insisted, was the sign of Jonah. The Church Fathers and Gospel writers saw the three days that Jonah spent in the belly of the huge fish as a symbol of Christ's three days in the tomb. As St. Paul said elsewhere, if Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain and our hope is futile. But Christ is risen, so let us live as if we really believe that in our heart of hearts. We have hope; we follow the path of light home to God's house.