John 2:18-22 “Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
But he spake of the temple of his body.
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.”

Today we look at what happened after Jesus cast out the money changers from the Temple in righteous anger. The Jews asked Him for a sign to show that He had the authority to do the things He was doing. What was He doing? In context we can see in tomorrow’s verses, that He didn’t just show up in Jerusalem in a fit of rage and cast out the money changers and then get asked this. Rather He also performed miracles there. And so “all of the above” is included in this “these things” reference. The Jews wanted a sign from Jesus, before they respected or listened to anything He had to say. This was a problem with the Jews: always wanting a sign. The Greeks had another problem: they always sought wisdom (worldly wisdom) as we know from 1 Corinthians 1:22. Today, mankind has not changed all that much. Everywhere people want signs and wisdom in some shape or form. In the United States of America we have more of a Greek Attitude in wanting a show of wisdom before we listen to anyone. We want papers and degrees to “prove” that someone is “wise” enough to listen to before we even consider them. It’s a glorification that is almost indistinguishable from haughtiness and pride!

When asked this, Jesus simply explains the sign that will show He is the Authority to do this (and whereby we can know that He is indeed God come in the flesh, the Messiah), is “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

The Jews replied that the Temple (the building they took pride in yet did not honor), took 46 years to build, and found it ridiculous that Jesus supposedly was claiming to build it again in 3 mere days. However, let us understand that Jesus was not talking about the material building, but rather the temple of His Body. The flesh and bones that the Lord came to dwell and walk in amongst us. We often forget that these bodies are not “us,” but rather simply “house” who we really are: living souls. And when we forget that, we often end up taking more care of this physical body than we take care of our true selves. We focus more on the temporary life and neglect the eternity we’ll be alive for after we shed this corrupted body.

We see in the last verse, an explanation that once Jesus rose from the dead, they remembered these words which He spoke about raising again in 3 days. One thing that can confuse those unfamiliar with the Bible, is that not each verse is in chronological order. Just as this last verse today is referring to a future time when the disciples remember this account, there are other times when verses are speaking of future, and past events, in the midst of an account. Normally when we read books we understand this, but often people will get confused when applying it to the Bible. It is similar to Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Some who read without understanding, think that Genesis 2 happens after Genesis 1. However, chapter 2 is simply giving more understanding and details to chapter 1. They are the same accounts. Often we have to remember this major thing when it comes to understanding the scripture: We can’t take a naturalistic approach by trying to understand it with our own spirit and natural mind. The things of God (including scripture) can only be understood by revelation of the Holy Spirit! This is why I remind everyone, often, to pray before, during, and even after reading the Bible every day. Pray for proper guidance and understanding by the Holy Spirit.

I love you all with Godly, brotherly love and continue to pray for you! May God continue to bless you, as He does indeed bless each of us so much! KOKO (Keep On Keeping On)!

Love always in Christ,
Your friend always,
And brother,
Michael