“So then the Jewish leaders responded, “What sign can you show us, since you are doing these things?”
“Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again.”
Then the Jewish leaders said to him, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and are you going to raise it up in three days?” —John 2:18-21
Do you not find it interesting that in our verses for today, the creatures demand proof of the Creator’s authority? The Jews were always looking for a miraculous sign. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:
“Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching. For Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks ask for wisdom, but we preach about a crucified Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” —1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Christ answers their demand by telling them of a sign that was to come–a prophecy of His own death and resurrection. Partially in mercy, using figurative language to those who would refuse to believe so that the clearer words would not be held against them, He shows His pristine knowledge of His sufferings and resurrection. Indeed, this was a charge that the unbelieving Jews brought forth in Jesus’ conviction:
“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were trying to find false testimony against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find anything, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” —Matthew 26:59-61
I am reminded of Jesus’ parting words in Matthew given in the Great Commission: “Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” —Matthew 28:18
Take It to Heart
Paul tells us that while our vision and understanding remain clouded, one day we will see clearly as our partial knowledge will be displaced by a completed sight and understanding. This will occur when our now becomes then:
“For now we see in a mirror indirectly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known.” —1 Corinthians 13:12
Sadly, the brilliance of man sometimes causes him to miss the mark in regard to fully appreciating and apprehending the wisdom and plan of God because he chooses to lean on his own understanding. God’s thoughts and plans, being far superior to human thoughts and ways, are those that even the most brilliant of minds cannot conceive. God’s compassion, love and mercy far exceed our fleshly ability to comprehend. The narrow way is found only through self-effacing faith not through self-confident erudition. The prophet Isaiah tells us:
“Indeed, my plans are not like your plans, and my deeds are not like your deeds,” says the Lord, for just as the sky is higher than the earth, so my deeds are superior to your deeds and my plans superior to your plans.” —Isaiah 55:8-9
Further Reflections
“And concerning them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will listen carefully yet will never understand, you will look closely yet will never comprehend.” —Matthew 13:14
“The saddest condition a man can be in is to sit under the most living ordinances with a dead, stupid, untouched heart.” —Matthew Henry