What would have made our application and interpretation stronger would have been to ask, in what ways do we ask for miraculous signs? Do we ask in order to act or in order to disbelieve? Why did the Jews want miraculous signs? It wasn't so they could follow Jesus in Jesus' path, but because they thought that One with miraculous powers would be able to save them from the Romans. What statement did Jesus then make by saying the only miraculous sign I'll give you is the sign of Jonah? The only thing that will save you from the Romans is self-sacrificing love like I'm going to demonstrate. This is the only power that is strong enough to survive and thrive in the climate of oppression you are in. It is the only power that really matters. It is the sort of power you were supposed to be exercising from the beginning of your nation's history, but you sought the power of Babylon instead.