PART 5, Knowing Jesus Better
John 2:14-25
Signs are important as it points you to the right direction. Signs are sometimes used to draw our attention to an important event, place, business, or in some cases, to a person. John wrote about the signs of the Son of God to draw his readers’ attention to Jesus and answered the “whys” of Jesus’ miracles.
In this passage we shall see John writing to demonstrate the deity of Jesus in three ways.
1. Jesus’ passion for worship.
“17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” 18 The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” John 2:17-18.
The word sign in Greek is semeion, (a derivative of semaino) refers to “a mark”. It also means to signify, to make known, especially ceremonially or supernaturally; or to demonstrate through a miracle.
This verse was also taken from Psalm 69:9 – David’s zeal for worship, despite his persecutions, hardships and trials. He remained fully devoted to the Lord.
Jesus acknowledged that zeal and demonstrated His passion for His people’s worship.
The cleansing of the Temple proved Jesus’ desire for His people’s sincere righteousness.
Worshippers were buying animals from merchants instead of providing their own animals that were personally set aside without blemish, and something that would identify them with in accordance to the ceremonial law.
The money changers charged exorbitant fees for exchanging their currencies for the temple coins.
2. Jesus’ power of resurrection.
“19 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” John 2:19-22.
There were two Temple cleansings that happened in the New Testament.
This event was the first, thus, they would have to wait for about three years to see this happen. But they demanded to see the sign now.
Jesus showed that He has sovereignty over time.
His power was seen in the timing of things to come, His authority over the circumstances that must take place, and of course the fulfillment of His promise to resurrect.
3. Jesus’ view of people’s heart.
23 When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.” John 2:23-25.
People believed in the spectacular more than Jesus as the Messiah. It was self-satisfying, self-focused and self-serving rather than seeking to satisfy God through genuine worship.
They believed in the miracles but not enough to commit themselves to Jesus. It’s not enough to believe in God because even Satan believes and knows God.
God requires His people to love Him, honour Him with their lives and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Jesus would not commit Himself to them, no real and personal commitment because He knew their hearts were far away from Him.
Jesus was desiring for people’s complete devotion to Him, sincere love and service for God, through the genuine works of faith.
Application:
Resolve to give your pure devotion to God.
Resurrection symbolizes a new life with God, so live this life for Jesus today.
Earnestly commit yourself to Jesus that He may commit Himself completely to you.