{The Pharisees and Sadducees} (hoi Pharisaioi kai
Saddoukaioi). The first time that we have this combination of
the two parties who disliked each other exceedingly. Hate makes
strange bedfellows. They hated Jesus more than they did each
other. Their hostility has not decreased during the absence of
Jesus, but rather increased. {Tempting him} (peirazontes).
Their motive was bad. {A sign from heaven} (s(886d)eion ek tou
ouranou). The scribes and Pharisees had already asked for a sign
( 12:38 ). Now this new combination adds "from heaven." What did
they have in mind? They may not have had any definite idea to
embarrass Jesus. The Jewish apocalypses did speak of spectacular
displays of power by the Son of Man (the Messiah). The devil had
suggested that Jesus let the people see him drop down from the
pinnacle of the temple and the people expected the Messiah to
come from an unknown source ( Joh 7:27 ) who would do great signs
( Joh 7:31 ). Chrysostom (_Hom_. liii.) suggests stopping the
course of the sun, bridling the moon, a clap of thunder.