787. JOH 2:19-21. THE TEMPLE OF CHRIST’S BODY.
Joh_2:19-21. The Temple Of Christ’s Body.
"Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body."’97Joh_2:19-21.
The Christian structure rests principally on two great facts,’97the death and resurrection of Christ. These are the two leading truths of the gospel,’97that Christ died for us according to the Scriptures, and rose again according to the Scriptures. Remove either of these and the Christian edifice is involved in ruin, and the hopes of a sinful world are blighted forever. These facts were both typified and predicted thousands of years before they were accomplished. When the ancient priests offered one goat in sacrifice, and sent the scapegoat into the wilderness, both the death and the resurrection of the Saviour were clearly prefigured. Both David and Isaiah had foretold Messiah’s resurrection, "Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell," &c. "Thy dead men shall live; together with my dead body shall they rise." Jesus, in referring to the events of his own future history, often spoke of his death and resurrection. He referred on one occasion to Jonah; and in the text, under a striking figure, he teaches the same important truth. "Destroy this temple," &c. Notice,
I. The figurative description Jesus gives of himself.
"This temple." "The temple of his body." The apostle employs the same metaphor when speaking of believers. "Your bodies are the temples of the. Holy Ghost." What then is the resemblance between the ancient temple and Christ’s body?
1. In their divine construction.
The plans of construction both of the tabernacle and temple were of God. All things were made by the divine authority and pattern; and the temple was formed of the most precious and costly materials. How beautifully all this applies to the Saviour. His body, while it was really and truly human, yet it was different to all others. Think of its mysterious conception. A virgin the mother. Think of its purity and perfection. Without taint or spot, or any such thing.
2. In their especial design and use.
The temple was the dwelling-place of God; his earthly palace. Here he displayed both his grace and glory; here, too, he communed with man; gave audience to the sinner; heard prayer; received praise, &c. See how this applies to Jesus. God was in Christ. "God manifest in the flesh." "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us," &c. Here heaven and earth met; Deity and man united. Here it is, too, that we can come to God. Christ is the way. He is in the Father, and the Father in him. "The one mediator," &c.
3. The ends of the services and furniture of the temple are answered in Christ.
In the temple was the oracle, from whence God spake to the people; the mercy-seat, whence mercy was obtained. How illustrated are these in Christ. He is the living oracle. God says, "Hear ye him." He is the last great prophet; the immediate mouth of God; the great teacher, &c. He is our only mercy-seat. In him we have remission of sin, and acceptance with God. In the temple was the altar, and Christ is our altar. In the temple was the shew bread, and he is our living bread. The incense, and his intercession renders us acceptable to God. Notice,
II. The prediction he delivered concerning it.
"Destroy this temple," &c. Now, both particulars of this may be considered as predictive; for he knew they would destroy that temple, and hence the text embraces both the event of his death and resurrection. Thus, in due time they did accomplish the first part by crucifying the Lord of life and glory; and he effected the second part by his own eternal power, in raising himself from the tomb. Now, observe here, he predicts that this shall be accomplished,
1. By his own power.
"I will," &c. Hence he said, "I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it up again." Now, in previous ages God had employed instruments, as in the instances of Elijah and Elisha. Jesus, too, had raised several from the dead; but this was the most stupendous of all his miracles.’97to raise himself. None could do this without possessing divine and changeless life in himself. This is indeed the demonstration of the divinity of Jesus.
2. The identical body.
"I will raise it up," &c. This was fully proved by the exhibition of his hands and feet to Thomas. And before the throne he still bears the imprints of the nails and spear. With that body he ate and conversed. Those very hands he stretched over his disciples when he was taken up to heaven. Yet, how changed,’97how radiant and beautiful,’97how refulgent and glorious.
3. The time is specified.
"In three days," or on the third day. Thus he was laid in the tomb on Friday evening, and there he reposed on Saturday and on the first day of the week, the third day, he arose with power and great glory. Thus the first day of the week has become the Lord’s day’97the day of the Christian institution’97the day of triumph and rejoicing to the church of God to the end of the world.
Application
1. See the connection and resemblance between Christ and his people.
You are the temples of God,’97a spiritual house,’97an habitation for the Lord.
2. Your earthly edifices must be destroyed.
Death will cast them to the dust. You must have fellowship with Christ in death. The tomb must encircle you. But it is now illuminated and fragrant,’97it is now the vestibule of heaven.
3. Christ will raise you up.
By his own power,’97in his own likeness,’97to his own glory. From dust and loathsomeness to unfading beauty; from death to endless life; from earth to heaven; from the clods of the valley to the throne of paradise. O ye disciples of Jesus, rejoice in hope of the glory to be revealed. "Behold, now are we the sons of God," &c. Urge all to secure by faith in Jesus an interest in these everlasting blessings.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS