The answer is: Jonah

Matt 12:38-39 - Referring to the three days and nights that Jonah has spent in the belly of the great fish

In the Gospel of Matthew, we observe an intriguing moment where Jesus’ wisdom shines a spotlight on the story of Jonah, a prophet known for his mysterious adventure rather than a satisfied crowd of followers. When asked for a sign by the Scribes and Pharisees, Jesus doesn't just provide a fancy miracle; instead, he references Jonah—the guy who infamously didn’t exactly relish his calling at first.

Now, if you're wondering why Jonah's tale is so significant, it’s rich in symbolism. Much like Jonah's three days and nights submerged in the depths, Jesus subtly ties his own impending death and resurrection into this timing, inviting those asking for a sign to look deeper into what his mission truly represents.

Jonah famously flees from God only to realize that you can’t outrun your destiny—especially not an all-knowing deity. This resonates on a larger level; it teaches us about mercy, repentance, and the surprising nature of God’s love which even funneled down to Gentiles like the people of Nineveh. Speaking of facts, did you know that Jonah is actually read during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, highlighting themes of forgiveness?

So the next time you think about signs from above, remember that the grand gesture can often be found in unexpected stories and maybe, just maybe, someone attempting to run away only fosters an intriguing, eye-opening journey.