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

In the Gospel of Matthew, when the Scribes and Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign—that is, a miracle to prove His authority—He pointed to the story of Jonah. That’s not just a quirky reference; it's packed with meaning! Jonah was famously swallowed by a great fish and spent three days and nights inside it, established in Jewish lore as a tale of redemption from despair.

The connection here is more than just a miraculous sign; it also emphasizes the time period of three days. Just as Jonah emerged from the fish, Jesus echoes this poem of resurrection in His own journey. This isn’t the only time Jonah’s story pops up in the New Testament; he even appears on the lips of Jesus while discussing His impending death and resurrection!

As an interesting tidbit, Jonah is also considered a classic “reluctant prophet.” Instead of eagerly accepting God’s call to convert Nineveh, he flees! This reflects human struggles and the perplexing nature of faith—a theme beloved throughout biblical texts. Furthermore, his eventual acceptance of the mission highlights that great lessons can come from our reluctance. Christians often see in Jonah’s tale a foreshadowing of Jesus's transformative message. It's a happy coincidence that both narratives touch on repentance and larger themes of sacrifice, underscoring how these figures bridge old and new teachings beautifully.