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 to the story of Jonah, who famously spent three days and nights in the belly of a great fish. Now, Jonah’s escapade isn’t just about aquatic adventures; it stands as a powerful metaphor for transformation and redemption. It’s a story that highlights repentance, as Jonah ultimately ran to deliver God’s message to Nineveh after he responded to God's call—though not without a bit of reluctance!

Let's take a deeper look at the number three, shall we? In Biblical literature, numbers often carry symbolic weight. Three signifies completeness—a complete journey or cycle. Just as Jonah emerged from the fish after three days, Jesus, too, foreshadowed His own resurrection three days after His crucifixion. This connection draws a compelling parallel that can spark intriguing discussions about the nature of signs, faith, and spiritual omens.

Interestingly, the book of Jonah itself is rather unique. Unlike most prophetic books, Jonah's narrative is less about the prophetic message and more about the interplay between divine mercy and human reluctance. Did you know that Jonah is also seen as a symbol of the people of Israel, who often found themselves reluctant to fully embrace God's expansive mission?

This intertwining of the themes of Jonah with the experience of Jesus prompts us not just to seek miraculous signs but to dig deeper into the meanings behind faith, obedience, and the transformational journeys we each undertake.