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

When the Scribes and Pharisees demanded a sign from Jesus, he pointed them back to the story of Jonah. It's a wild tale, isn't it? Prophet swallowed whole by a big fish! Three days in its belly! But there’s so much more bubbling beneath the surface of this reference than just a tale that has people scratching their heads.

In the context of Matthew 12, the call for a sign was somewhat of a test, attempting to trap Jesus amidst their expectations. They sought something flashy to prove his authority, but Jesus connected their request to Jonah's experience—three days of waiting before he emerged to proclaim God’s warning and spark a change among the people of Nineveh.

What’s exceptionally riveting is the parallel between Jonah's time in the fish and the symbolism of resurrection in Jesus' life. Just as Jonah was in the depths for three days and then changed the fate of an entire city, Jesus hinted at a transformative event set to disrupt everything—the resurrection. This intertwining theme echoes throughout scripture, symbolizing hope and renewal. In both cases, it's not the fiery signs they sought that gave power, but profound transformation and deeper messages about mortality, obedience, and divine mercy. So, next time Jesus’ reference to Jonah comes up, think of it as a sacred testament to life's resilience and the unexpected methods through which change often flows!