Reflection on John 2:13-22

Scripture
“Destroy this temple,” Jesus answered, “and in three days I will build it again.”

Observation
Jesus drives out the merchants and traders from the Temple and the response of the Jewish leaders is: Give us a miracle that explains this.

Single-handedly Jesus empties out a whole market place with just zeal for the Lord. Isn't this a miracle in itself?

The Jewish leaders and the people seem to be hung up on miracles. In v.21 John tells us that many people put their faith in Jesus because of the miracles, but Jesus could see their hearts.

For the Jewish people, the authenticity of Jesus's ministry had to be backed up with a miracle- scripture wasn't enough and Jesus's personal authority wasn't enough.


Application
Christians still look for miracles and other signs as proof of God's power. We devour ministers in our quest for fleshly entertainment. Whether it's spectacular healings or revived overflowing congregations, we demand that the guy produces the “goods.”

But Jesus won't deliver the goods on demand.

He sets out instead to clear out the false religions, the idols, the money-making plans, the merchandising and all the pother religious junk we gather up for ourselves. He refuses to let us refill our hearts with a new batch of junk called signs and wonders and miracles.

Instead He points us to death and resurrection, inviting us to let Him pull our temples down so they can be rebuilt in Him.

Prayer
Lord, forgive me for turning my relationship with you into something that satisfies my flesh. Forgive me for hanging on to the religious junk. Help me to let go and trust in you alone. Amen.