today's other readings are Exodus 14: 5-18 and Exodus 15
What do you expect from Jesus? If He was right in front of you right now, what would be the first thing you might ask of Him?
Based on His reaction to the request asked of Him by the scribes and Pharisees, one might say, "Whatever you do, don't ask for a sign (like a miracle) from Him!"
However, we need to consider this - who is it that is asking Him - the scribes and Pharisees. In almost every case, when they approach Him, they are trying to trap Him. And Jesus can see right through them and their motives. Hence the strong reaction. from Him, with his references to the sign of Jonah and the Queen of the South (the Queen of Sheba).
There are many instances in which people approach Him and ask for a miracle based on good motives - such as the request asked of Jesus by the Roman centurion (Mt. 8: 5-9) to heal his servant. And the request is granted.
So when we approach Jesus with our own prayer requests, maybe we need to ask, are we just looking at Him as the Divine Magician who will pull the proverbial "rabbit out of the hat" for us? Or are we approaching Him with faith and trust and a request that truly will bring about good? And most importantly, what is the basis of our motivation to do so?