John 2:18-22

After forcefully chasing the money changers and sellers of sacrificial animals out of the Temple, Jesus was asked by the “Keepers of the Law” by what authority or sign he had done this. Jesus’ answer, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it,” baffled both the Temple authorities and his disciples. After his resurrection, Jesus’ disciples understood these words as referring to the temple of his body. Neither the “Keepers of the Law” nor the disciples recognized these words of Jesus as the beginning of the end of religion as they knew it. Gradually the church realized the Temple, Sabbath keeping, circumcision, and laws about sacrifice were all done away with in Christ. Resurrection changed everything.

Today, we in the Church must keep reexamining old and familiar ways of thinking in the light of new Spirit-led experiences. May we recognize Jesus as the “Temple” where God dwells in the fullness of grace and truth.

                                                                                          —Ann Anderson