John the Baptist had appeared and called the people to repent. Now Jesus was calling the people to repent and go back to following the laws of Moses but they didn't repent and even more than not repenting, they challenged Jesus and looked for a sign that he was really the one they were waiting for.
The Jews were waiting for a Messiah, but they wanted a Messiah that would raise an army and challenge the Romans in battle and ultimately drive them out. They wanted a second David who would reunify Israel and bring it back to glory.
Jesus wasn't raising an army. His followers were fishermen and a tax collector. They didn't seem like the beginnings of a strong army.
The only apostle who looked good for a soldier was Simon the Zealot, but it would take more than one person to defeat the Romans. In fact, the Jewish leaders were getting worried that Jesus was upsetting the Roman leaders and were afraid that things might get worse for them.
What do we look for? Do we look for a sign as well? Do we ever think, "If you're real, then you will answer this prayer," or "let me get that job I'm looking for?"
Do we try to put God to the test? We might not realize it, but do we ever ask God to show us a sign that a loved one who died is with him? Do we listen to those who find pennies and claim that they are signs from God? Do we feel that God is not on our side if it rains on the day we planned a party?
There are lots of ways we can be as blind as the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus' time. He has told us to repent, and we shouldn't be waiting for a sign that it's time to begin; we should just do it.
