SOONER OR LATER
John
2:18-19 The Jews
demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority
to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it
again in three days.”
This exchange occurred after
Jesus cleared the temple courts of shepherds selling livestock and men
exchanging currencies. The place of worship for God’s people had become
commercialized. No longer was God’s temple building and courts a place of awe,
reverence and dignity. It had become a place that reflected the cultural norms,
priorities and interests of the people. Worshipers had to force their way
through those who had established other agendas for the temple courts. The
focus had turned away from one looking upward in worship to God. They now were
focused on material fulfillment and human approval.
Again Jesus’ actions are
misunderstood. The people demanded to know by what right he could do this
clearing of their temple courts. They wanted a sign, another miracle that
proved his authority to judge their actions and criticize their use of the
temple courts. The conflict was not merely over what was permitted within the
temple areas but over who wielded ultimate authority over life and worship.
Jesus’ response was intended
to take their focus away from the building to the real temple, the body in
which God really dwells, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in
three days.” They did not understand him then and they do not understand him
today. It was not until after Jesus was raised from the dead that his followers
understood this response he gave.
Religion can distort our
view of God. The practices and biases of man can interfere with the truth as we
strive to draw near to Him. Many drew close to Jesus for they recognized the
signs and wonders as living proof of who Jesus was, the Messiah, the Son of
God. They believed in Him because of what they saw. Others believed much later,
after he was crucified and raised himself to life again. Sooner or later they
believed.
