Reflecting on John 2:13-25“But the temple he had spoken of was his body.” (John 2:21)
Not just His body, but Jesus as a whole person, was a temple for God.
God was with Jesus, for Jesus and in Jesus – an intimate relationship.
This is not because Jesus was God, but because Jesus was fully human – Adam.
God created humans to be His temples, also described as images of God.
To be God’s temple, or image, suggests three things:
Relationship – we in fellowship WITH God as His much-loved children.
Reflection – we are LIKE God in His loving character.
Representation – we are ambassadors FOR God, doing God’s work in the world.
The temple symbolized this reality, but Jesus fully embodied this way of being and living.
We too were created to fully embody this, but we no longer do; instead we “destroy this!”
Jesus comes to restore humanity to our true identity, character and calling.
He became what we were supposed to be, to make us what we’re supposed to be.
Do we see ourselves, and others, in this way – as God’s temples?
Do we treat ourselves, and others, in this way – as God’s image-bearers?
Jesus invites us to be – and to love – God’s temples, God’s image-bearers.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, throughout history we have been destroying God's temple/image in ourselves and in others. Thank You for showing me how to be fully human, and for restoring me to be fully God's child. Help me to live WITH, LIKE and FOR You in this world, that all may experience the greatness and goodness of God's love.