Scripture: John 2:20 (ESV) – “The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’”
J.C. Ryle, in his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, reflects on the Jewish leaders’ response to Jesus’ statement about raising the temple in three days. Their focus on the physical structure of the temple reveals their inability to grasp the spiritual meaning of His words. While they were preoccupied with the grandeur and time required to build Herod’s temple, they missed the deeper truth that Jesus was speaking of His own body.
Ryle emphasizes that this misunderstanding highlights the spiritual blindness of the Jews. They were consumed with external appearances and human achievements, failing to recognize that Jesus was pointing to His death and resurrection—the cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan. This verse serves as a reminder that spiritual truths often require faith and discernment, qualities that the Jewish leaders lacked.
The Jews’ incredulous response also contrasts sharply with the simplicity and power of Jesus’ words. Ryle notes that their fixation on the material world prevented them from understanding the eternal significance of what Jesus was teaching. Their limited perspective reminds us of the danger of focusing too much on earthly things while neglecting the spiritual realities of God’s kingdom.
For us, this verse is a call to open our hearts and minds to the deeper truths of Christ’s teaching. It challenges us to move beyond surface-level understanding and to seek the eternal significance of His words and works.
Reflection Questions:
- How does this verse challenge you to focus on spiritual truths rather than earthly appearances or achievements?
- Are there areas in your life where you might be misunderstanding or missing the deeper meaning of God’s work?
- How can you cultivate faith and discernment to better understand and respond to Jesus’ teachings?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we, like the Jewish leaders, focus too much on earthly things and fail to see the eternal truths You reveal. Teach us to approach Your Word with faith and discernment, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of Your works and promises. Help us to trust in Your power to accomplish all things, even when it defies human understanding. Open our hearts to the eternal significance of Your mission, and may we grow in faith and wisdom each day. In Your name, Amen.
*This devotional is based on J.C. Ryle’s insights from his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 