Final answer:
The Pharisees asked Jesus to show them a sign as a proof of His divine authority according to the Gospel of Matthew 12:38. This request was part of the broader conflicting views between Jesus' teachings on true faith and justice, and the Pharisees' emphasis on strict adherence to the law of Moses and outward religious practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pharisees, a Jewish religious group in the first century CE, interacted with Jesus on multiple occasions as depicted in the New Testament. The biblical texts describe various encounters, but a particular one of note occurs when they requested Jesus to give them a sign. In the Gospel of Matthew 12:38, some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to Jesus, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." They were asking for a miraculous demonstration to prove his divine authority.
The demand for a sign was reflective of the tensions between Jesus' teachings and the Pharisaic emphasis on strict adherence to the law of Moses. The Pharisees were known for their rigorous observance of these laws, advocating that all Jews should follow them. Contrary to the Pharisees' approach, Jesus taught the importance of inner purity and sincerity over external observance. This is why He rebuked them strongly in scriptures where He called them hypocrites and criticized their outward religious displays lacking true faith and justice.