Jesus Raises a New Temple

Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | February 10, 2024 | John 2:18-22

KEY VERSE:

"Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.'" John 2:19 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Today's devotional reflection is centred on John 2:18-22 and emphasizes a profound statement by Jesus that holds deep spiritual significance. In this passage, Jesus makes a bold declaration in response to the Jews questioning the legitimacy of His authority to cleanse the temple. Little did they realize the depth of His words, which transcended the physical structure of the temple to reveal profound spiritual truths.

The temple was not merely a physical building but a symbol of God's presence among His people. Jesus, in referring to Himself as the temple, speaks of a new way of encountering God, centred not on a physical location but on His person. Jesus' mention of the temple's destruction foreshadows His impending death on the cross. His sacrificial death would serve as the ultimate act of atonement, abolishing the need for the sacrificial system of the old covenant and providing access to God for all who believe.

The most profound aspect of Jesus' statement lies in His promise of resurrection. By declaring that He would raise the temple in three days, Jesus foretells His resurrection from the dead. This pivotal event would confirm His identity as the Son of God and the fulfilment of God's redemptive plan. As believers, we are invited to reflect on the implications of Jesus' words for our lives. Just as Jesus identified Himself as the temple, we are reminded that our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Through faith in Christ, we experience spiritual renewal and transformation, becoming vessels of God's presence in the world.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

As we meditate on Jesus' words, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days," may we be reminded of the depth of God's love and the power of Christ's resurrection. May this truth anchor our faith and empower us to live as temples of the Holy Spirit, reflecting God's glory to the world around us.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the profound truths revealed in your Word. Help me to grasp the significance of Jesus' declaration and to embrace the reality of Christ dwelling within me through the Holy Spirit. May my life be a living testimony to your grace and power at work within me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: DESTROY

The word "destroy" in the Greek text is translated from "λύσατε" (lysate). "Λύσατε" (lysate) is derived from the verb "λύω" (lyō), which means to loosen, release, or destroy.

In John 2:13-22, Jesus cleanses the temple and then engages in a discussion with the Jews about the temple's destruction and His resurrection. When asked for a sign to justify His actions, Jesus responds cryptically, saying, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days" (John 2:19).

Jesus' statement about destroying the temple is both literal and symbolic. He speaks of the physical temple in Jerusalem, but He also refers to His own body. By associating His body with the temple, Jesus foreshadows His death and resurrection, indicating that His crucifixion will be followed by His resurrection in three days.

Jesus' words highlight His divine authority over life and death. He predicts His death and resurrection, demonstrating His power to overcome even death itself. This statement underscores the central role of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection in God's plan of salvation for humanity.

Reflections

Reflect on Jesus' assertion that He would raise the temple (His body) in three days after it was destroyed. How does this declaration deepen your understanding of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and His mission to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection?