Those that saw Jesus turn over tables had a question about his authority.
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign she west thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? (19) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. (John 2:18-19)
Jesus gives them a sign.
The most obvious question that could be asked gets asked in verse 18. After overturning the tables, running out the exchangers, and claiming that His Father’s house should not be a house of merchandise, those that were there had the question about authority. But notice the nature of the question. The word translated “sign” is the same word often translated “miracle”. If any other person would have done this, would they have asked for a “sign” of his authority? It’s as if they kind of believe, or they have some sense of his reputation. The question was essentially this- What right do you have to do this in the temple?
Jesus answers with a sign in the form of a prophecy. He speaks of “this temple” being destroyed. He speaks of raising the temple again. That certainly would be some kind of a sign to destroy something that large and imposing, and to rebuild it in three days. When you think about building almost any kind of structure of any magnitude, three days would certainly be very quick.
We know that he was not referring to the literal temple that they occupied at this moment which we will look at in tomorrows post.
The truth that we see here is that Jesus is claiming authority to do this. He is able to back up the fact that He has this authority. He does so by predicting the destruction and resurrection of “this temple”.
The resurrection is evidence of Jesus’ authority.
Jesus Christ is in authority over what happens in the temple. In fact, it is by His death, burial, and resurrection, that we have been made the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit once we trust in Christ. We become priests, able to go to God through the person and work of that Spirit and Christ. He does have a right to say what should be done and what should not be done in His temple. He’s in charge.
Response
- Are you fighting Jesus’ authority in some area of your life?
- As a believer, are you accessing time with God and talking to Him on the regular?