Jesus — Clearing the Temple - Wednesday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 2:18
So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” (ESV)
In the Greek New Testament, the word translated sign in our English Bible is originally semeion. In the book of John, specifically, this word is used to reference the miraculous things done by Jesus or His apostles to show proof of Jesus’ divine mission on earth. The Jews here are asking Jesus to show them a sign to prove that He has the authority to walk into the temple and start running people off.
Fair enough! They didn’t know who He was, and He had yet to be crucified.
Have you ever questioned God’s authority? In our broken and sinful state, we often ask God to show us a sign so we know what the right thing to do is. I can’t say God is never going to do that for someone, but I can say that God has already told us what we need to know to do the right thing in His Word.
Asking for a sign is not a replacement for knowing what the Bible says. Psalm 119:11 reminds us, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” God tells us how to know what He wants!
I know there have been times when I’ve been nervous to make a decision that seemed very important: where to go to college, what job to pursue, or where to live. But one thing I have learned in my 40+ years of walking with Jesus is that what God really wants is for me to obey and glorify Him, and He’s already given me what I need to do that.
Now, if I’m faced with a choice where one is sin, and the other isn’t, I should choose not to sin! But, often God is just asking me to obey wherever I am. Learning how to obey comes not only from being led by His Holy Spirit, but by understanding God’s heart and character by knowing His Word and hiding it in my heart.
APPLICATION
This week, make a commitment to read your Bible every day! We have been learning from the book of John recently, and that is a great place to start. Carve out time to study one chapter each day.
PRAYER
God, help me to “hide Your word in my heart” as I learn to obey and follow You. Help me to love Your Word and trust You with my life.