Our Gospel is John 2:13-22, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
People were always asking for a sign, some proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be. I’m sure He is disappointed in our lack of faith, wanting to see with our eyes rather than believe in our hearts. The bible records 34 miracles He performed during His time with us, but apparently it was not enough for some.
Jesus never did things for “show”, there was always a purpose behind His works. When He healed and blessed, He also taught us, showing how God’s love was part of everything He did. Nothing was for His own reputation, all was for the glory of God and our salvation.
Jesus tells those who are questioning Him in this passage “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (v. 19). While He was protective of the place they worshipped, He teaches that God lives within us, an inseparable part of our being. Those who heard this remembered it after His resurrection, and that should be all the “proof” we need.
Loving Lord, we are fragile and forgetful, needing to be reminded of the blessing You give through our very being. Help us to be strong in our faith and believe not because we see miracles but because You choose to be part of us. Amen.