By asking for a sign from heaven, the Pharisees were asking for something that would conclusively prove that Jesus is the Son of Man and would not be up to interpretation or require faith and understanding.1 They do not recognize Jesus as a sign from God. They want Jesus to give them conclusive proof of who he is. They will only believe and submit to him if he passes their test. Coming from the Pharisees, this arrogant request does not express a desire on their part to be convinced, but an excuse for refusing to respond to the clear evidence already available in Jesus’ teaching and ministry.2
11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.