Meaning of John 2:19

In John 2:19, Jesus' statement, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days," is a profound declaration that initially baffles his Jewish interlocutors, who are focused on the physical structure of the Jerusalem Temple. They interpret his words literally, equating "this temple" with the Herodian Temple, a magnificent edifice that had been under construction for decades. However, Jesus is speaking metaphorically, referring to his own body as the true temple. This statement foreshadows his impending death and resurrection, a pivotal event that would fulfill the Old Testament sacrificial system and establish a new covenant between God and humanity. The disciples, though perhaps not fully grasping the meaning at the time, would later understand this prophecy as they witnessed Jesus' resurrection, recognizing it as the ultimate redemptive act.

Context and Background

This exchange occurs during Jesus' first Passover in Jerusalem after beginning his public ministry. He had just cleansed the Temple, driving out the money changers and merchants (John 2:13-17), an act that challenged the religious authorities and prompted their demand for a sign of his authority. Jesus' response, referencing the destruction and rebuilding of the Temple, serves as a powerful sign, though one understood only in retrospect by his followers. The Jewish leaders, concerned with the physical Temple as the dwelling place of God's presence and the center of worship, could not conceive of God's presence being embodied in a human being, let alone one who would be crucified.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the identity of Jesus as the divine Son of God and the centrality of his sacrificial death and resurrection for salvation. Jesus is presented not merely as a prophet or a teacher, but as the embodiment of God's presence, a concept that transcends the physical limitations of the Jerusalem Temple. The prophecy also highlights the transience of the Old Covenant and the inauguration of a New Covenant, where access to God is no longer mediated through a physical structure and its sacrificial rites, but through faith in Jesus Christ. The number "three days" is significant, alluding to the pattern of death and resurrection that is central to Christian theology.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse signifies that true worship and access to God are not bound to a particular building or ritualistic practice. Jesus' body is the ultimate temple, where God's presence fully resides. His death and resurrection are the supreme sacrifice that atones for sin, making reconciliation with God possible for all who believe. The application for believers is to recognize Jesus as the locus of God's presence in their lives and to find their spiritual life and sustenance through their union with him, particularly through his redemptive work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This statement is a crucial link in the broader biblical narrative of redemption. It echoes Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's suffering and exaltation. It also fulfills the symbolic meaning of the Temple itself, which represented God's dwelling among His people. By declaring himself the Temple, Jesus asserts his divine authority and his role as the mediator between God and humanity, a role previously prefigured by the sacrifices and priesthood of the Old Testament. His resurrection is the ultimate validation of his claims and the confirmation of the New Covenant.

Analogies

One analogy to understand Jesus' statement is comparing the old Temple to a special, sacred tent that was moved around, and then comparing Jesus' body to a permanent, unshakeable foundation that is now the center of God's presence. Another analogy is to consider the old Temple as a beautiful, intricate lock that allowed access to God, but Jesus' resurrected body is the key that permanently opens the door to God for everyone.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse has significant connections to other scriptural passages:

• 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." This verse applies the concept of the "temple" to believers, emphasizing that God's Spirit now indwells them, a direct consequence of Jesus' resurrection and ascension.
• Hebrews 9:11-14: This passage describes Jesus as the high priest of the "greater and more perfect tent" not made with hands, and his sacrifice as superior to the Old Testament sacrifices, directly linking Jesus' body to the ultimate sanctuary.
• Luke 24:6-7: The disciples recall Jesus' words after his resurrection, understanding that he had spoken of his death and resurrection.
• John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This verse establishes Jesus as the dwelling place of God's glory, aligning with his declaration about the Temple.