Section 9
by testing, and "face" denotes appearance. The Greek words rendered "how is it then that you do not discern" may also be rendered "but this time you do not know how to discern." To dis cern this time is to discern the signs of the time (Matt. 16:3). These signs are that John the Baptist has come to announce the coming of Messiah, as was prophesied (Luke 3:2-6, 15-17), and that Messiah is here, ministering Himself so that the people may receive Him and be saved. The peo ple could discern signs concerning the weather and the appearance of earth and heaven, but they could not discern the signs brought in by John the Baptist and the Messiah Himself.
In verse 57 the Lord continues, "And why do you not even of yourselves judge what is right?" Even without the teaching of the Lord, the Jews had enough signs to judge of themselves the right way to follow and the right thing to do at that time, that is, to receive the Lord and fol low Him. However, they refused to receive Him and follow Him.
A WORD SPOKEN TO THE CROWDS FOR REPENTANCE AND SALVATION
In verses 58 and 59 the Lord says, "For as you