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, when Jesus is pressed by the Scribes and Pharisees for a sign, His reference to Jonah offers a remarkable parallel between their expectations and what was to come. Jonah’s journey is far from just a fishy tale; it's a vivid expression of redemption and the call to repentance. His experience in the enigmatic belly of the great fish for three days and nights isn't merely an event; it's a signal of transformation. Just as Jonah emerged with a renewed mission, Jesus predicts His own death and resurrection, likening His forthcoming experience to Jonah's.

Now here’s an intriguing piece of trivia: many scholars believe Jonah’s encounter was set in the bustling city of Nineveh, an unlikely locale given its harsh reputation against Israel. This choice enhances the message that mercy extends beyond borders. Christ naturally builds on this foundation, suggesting that deep compassion often comes from unexpected places.

Notably, three hundred years before Christ, the prophet Jonah was a much-loved story, proving that tales of an unyielding faith and revival checkered with forgiveness resonate across age and culture. The echoes of Jonah also reveal the contrasting nature of the Scribes and Pharisees, who seek miracles within their rigid confines, while Jesus offers something richer—a path of deeper understanding and, ultimately, love. Thus, the story is not just about signs but an invitation to embrace compassion and challenge the status quo.