John 2:21

But he spake of the temple of his body.

John 2:21 (KJV)

Context

John 2:21 is the evangelist’s explanatory note following Jesus’ statement in John 2:19, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The immediate context is the cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem during Passover, where Jesus drove out the money changers and merchants. The Jewish leaders then demanded a sign to prove His authority (John 2:18). They misunderstood Jesus, thinking He referred to the physical temple building, noting it had taken forty-six years to build (John 2:20).

Meaning

John 2:21 clarifies that Jesus was speaking of “the temple of his body.” The physical temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people, where sacrifices were offered and sins dealt with. Jesus used the temple as a symbol or type of His own body, which would be destroyed in death and raised in three days. His body is the true temple, the antitype of the material temple, where God’s presence dwells fully and where the ultimate sacrifice for sin would be made. The holiness of the Jerusalem temple was typical, pointing to Christ as the substance (Hebrews 9:9; Colossians 2:17). Some commentators suggest Jesus may have pointed to His body as He spoke.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ reference to His body as the temple fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. In the Old Testament, the temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. In a similar way, Jesus, as the Son of God, became the dwelling place of God’s presence among humanity. Through His incarnation, Jesus brought the presence of God near to people and provided the ultimate means of reconciliation between God and humanity.

Application

Jesus’ statement about raising up the temple in three days refers to His resurrection. It highlights the central role of Jesus’ resurrection in the Christian faith. Jesus’ death on the cross was not the end but the beginning of a new chapter. By rising from the dead, Jesus conquered sin and death, demonstrating His power over them. His resurrection is the foundation of our hope as believers, assuring us of eternal life and victory over death.

Reflection

John 2:22 records that after His resurrection, His disciples remembered His words and believed the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. This verse is foundational for understanding Jesus’ identity and His resurrection as the sign of His authority.