Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 12:38

38 Then certain of the scribes, and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

We read the like to this, Ch. 16.1. and Luke seemeth to relate the same History, ch. 11.29. Master was the usual Title, which they gave to any whom they owned as a Teacher. By a Sign, they mean some thing that might confirm unto them, that he was sent of God; they expected, that an Extraordinary Mission should be so confirmed, so Iohn 6.30. What Sign shewest thou then, that we might see, and believe thee, what doest thou Work? Moses shewed them signs (as they there go on) he brought down for them Bread from Heaven. Had not Christ shewed them Signs enough, what were all the Miracles he had wrought in their sight? They either speak this out of a further Idle Curiosity (their Eye being not satisfyed with seeing) or else they speak it in direct opposition, to the whole Scope and Tendency of our Saviour's [illegible: 1 letter]ormer Discourse, which was from his Miracles to prove himself truly God, and sent of God: if the latter which seemeth from our Saviours sharp Answer, most probable, the Sum of what they say, is this. Master we have seen thee do wonderful Works, but no other than what Impostors may do by the assistance of the Devil; we would see something done by thee, which Magicians cannot do, such as Moses did, Exod. 8.19. when the Magicians confessed they were out done, and cryed, This is the Finger of God.

Marginal references: Mar. 8.11. Luke 11.16. 1 Cor. 1.22.