The Nature of Human Evil

In Matthew 15:29-39, Jesus miraculously healed the lame, blind, maimed, and mute. Then he miraculously fed the hungry. Afterwards the Pharisees and Sadducees to test him asked him to show them a sign from heaven. Notice that the test they devised would benefit no one – not even themselves except possibly being entertained. The nature of human evil is that ultimately it is a desire for things that are not beneficial to anyone – except possibly being entertained.

Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Matthew 15:29 And Jesus went on from there and passed along the Sea of Galilee. And he went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30 Then great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the maimed, the mute, and many others. And they laid them down at his feet, and he healed them. 31 So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel…36 He took the seven loaves and the fish, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And he sent away the crowds, got into the boat, and went to the region of Magadan.

Matthew 16:1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.