The Larger Picture

Scripture – John 2:18-22: Then the Jews demanded of him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 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.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Sometimes I wonder how the disciples could be so slow to understand who Jesus was. I mean, look at all they saw and heard. At the same time, they were seeing a man – a person who looks and sounds like any other person. It’s easy for me to look back, knowing the whole story, and see Christ at work in the world. Yet it would have been quite different to be there with Him. It would be very hard to call a person “God.” Jesus made the comment here about His death and resurrection. It wasn’t until later (“then they believed”) that it all began making sense.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’m not sure how I will be different. There will be many things I experience today that may not make sense until sometime later. I will simply live as a disciple, doing what’s right, and trust all things will fit together in Him.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, help me today to recognize your continuing presence in the world and in my life. Through you I have the best of both worlds – I can face the unknown today with confidence because I already know the end of the ultimate story. Give me patience and peace to live for you today.