John 2:21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
Where does God dwell? The entire universe can’t contain Him. And yet, according to Scripture, He lives among us, in us, through us. From the beginning we were designed to be His images, His representatives in this domain, carrying out His will and ways right here and now.
But if you are like me, when I look around I don’t see much of God’s character being acted out in this world. I see so much selfishness and self-centeredness that certainly doesn’t leave much room for the LORD to work through His images. I see ‘self’ being exalted above all things, and even above God.
Jesus came and presented a very different message than ‘self’ as He walked and talked while here on Earth. He talked of emptying himself and giving up himself, laying down His life and surrendering to the Father’s will. And He tells us to follow His example.
As He is clearing the Temple in Jerusalem of the corrupt and sinful yielding that has happened over years, Jesus cuts to the heart. The religious leaders are upset. He is disrupting everything they have set up. All their side hustles are being interrupted. They won’t be able to make their yacht payments!
So they confront Jesus ask Him to provide proof that He has authority to do what He has just done. They want to see His credentials. Since they think they have the authority in Jerusalem, subject to the Romans of course, they want to keep what authority they do have.
And Jesus answers simply by pointing to His death. They think He is pointing to the physical building, the Temple itself. And what a ridiculous claim, destroy and rebuild in three days. Not possible.
John fills in the details of the behind the scene meaning. The temple Jesus was speaking of was His body. Jesus would be killed and be raised back to life. His body subjected to humanity’s enemy and then rise victorious.
Do you consider your body a temple, a place where God dwells? How about your fellowship of believers, your church? Is it a place where the fruit of the Spirit shows up?
Something to think about!
The Arnold Journey 