18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”  19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken

Yesterday we looked at the scene where Jesus cleansed the temple. Certainly, we have contrasting displays; of Jesus quietly performing a miracle of water to wine in a rural village wedding to publicly causing a riot because of His anger over greed, disrespect to God's glory, to the obstruction of Gentiles from prayer, and the abuse of worshippers. These two moments—one gentle and miraculous, the other forceful and corrective—reveal different facets of Jesus’ character.

When Jesus drives out the money changers, the religious leaders confront Him with the question, “By whose authority are you doing this?” They demand a sign, they argue ‘If He is acting with God's authority, let Him perform a sign to prove it.’  Wouldn't you think, if He changed water to wine to show His glory, He can easily cause something to levitate or make someone blind or something? 

Instead of performing another miracle, Jesus points to the ultimate sign of His authority - His own death and resurrection. He declares, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again" (verse 19). The leaders, confused, question whether Jesus believes He can rebuild a temple in three days—a structure that has been under construction for forty-six years and remains unfinished.        

We learn that Jesus is not speaking of the physical temple; rather He is speaking of the purpose of His coming. He is speaking of Himself as the temple of God and of His coming crucifixion.  His triumph would be evident in three days, when He will be raised up from the dead. The disciples didn't understand either, until after our Lord's death and resurrection. It was then this prophecy came to mind, and they see how He fulfilled it exactly as He said.   

Many like to think godly love never criticizes, never judges, never condemns others. Some think Jesus came to affirm everyone and to make them happy, but Jesus revealed Himself to Israel as her Messiah by His cleansing of the temple.      

John the Baptist foretold the coming of one who was the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," He likewise urged men and women to repent, because the Messiah was coming to judge the world.     

What early observations are made evident to His disciples? He was merciful. He was the lamb and He was the lion. He is merciful and He is a judge against unrighteousness. He is the gentle and gracious Savior, who saved the newlywed couple from embarrassment by making water into wine. He is also the holy and righteous Judge, who will punish His enemies and correct evil. They learned to fear God, to realize that though He is a God of mercy He is also a God of majesty. They looked at our Lord with different eyes as they walked away from this scene.    

Application:   It is easy to overlook Jesus’ deep passion for the house of prayer and the pain He feels when it was misused and abused. This episode serves as a lasting reminder of His zeal for God’s glory and the purity of worship.

Prayer:   You are the lamb, the lion...you are merciful.    You are my gentle and gracious Savior, You are a Holy and Righteous judge.   To You I pray guide my day.   

Dale