After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
John 2:22 NIV
John records Jesus clearing the merchants and money changers from the temple early in his ministry. In response, the temple authorities challenged Jesus, asking him for a sign to prove his authority to do this. Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” The authorities just scoffed at Jesus’ response.
But John records that the temple he spoke of was not the building. Instead, it was his body. Jesus told them that, after they had put him to death, his resurrection three days later would prove that he had the authority to cleanse the temple.
John then tells us that after Jesus had given the sign the Jewish religious authorities had requested, that is, after his resurrection, the disciples remembered what he had said. And they believed the Scriptures and Jesus’ teachings.
Jesus’ resurrection and the illumination provided by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost changed everything for the disciples. They no doubt believed the Scripture before his resurrection. And even though they often failed to understand what Jesus was saying, they did believe him. But after his resurrection, they understood his words and the Scripture in a whole new light.
No longer was he just a rabbi and miracle worker. Nor was he merely a human messiah sent to overthrow the Romans and reestablish a Jewish kingdom. Instead, he was the incarnate Son of God (John 1:1-18), and he had established a spiritual kingdom composed of people from all over the world. And that transformed their lives and understanding.
And it should also transform our lives. Jesus, in his resurrection, has proven himself as having authority, not just over the Jewish temple, but over all things—including my life and all I am.
