Today’s WORD (Text) John 2:18 - 22
18/ The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19/ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20/ The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21/ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22/ After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Today’s Witness
Jesus’ actions in cleansing the Temple were provocative and upsetting for those who witnessed him. His prediction concerning raising the temple of his body after three days if it is destroyed suggests that some of the onlookers were tempted to react violently toward him in response to what he had done. They missed the meaning of the symbolism in his words. As the church continues to tell the story today of God working through the ministry of Jesus to reconcile and restore humanity to a cherished relationship with the Creator, the meaning of our words is often missed by many hearers. However, we must continue to impart spiritual truths, continue to espouse faith in the Mighty God who has the power to reconcile humanity, to raise the dead, and to restore us to fellowship with God and one another.
Today’s Invitation
As you share your faith in the risen Christ with others, what part of the story of Christ do you think is most challenges for secular audiences to comprehend?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, we thank you for signaling to your disciples and to the world how you would die, and then be raised. Thank you for forecasting your ultimate sacrifice in such a manner that inspired others to follow you and inspires each of us to be witnesses to your story of redemption. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
- Where will I follow Christ today?
- To whom shall I demonstrate Jesus’ love and justice today?
- How can I play my part in practicing the presence of Christ, right here, right now?
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
Today’s WORD (Text) John 2:18 - 22
18/ The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” 19/ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20/ The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21/ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22/ After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.
Today’s Witness
Jesus’ actions in cleansing the Temple were provocative and upsetting for those who witnessed him. His prediction concerning raising the temple of his body after three days if it is destroyed suggests that some of the onlookers were tempted to react violently toward him in response to what he had done. They missed the meaning of the symbolism in his words. As the church continues to tell the story today of God working through the ministry of Jesus to reconcile and restore humanity to a cherished relationship with the Creator, the meaning of our words is often missed by many hearers. However, we must continue to impart spiritual truths, continue to espouse faith in the Mighty God who has the power to reconcile humanity, to raise the dead, and to restore us to fellowship with God and one another.
Today’s Invitation
As you share your faith in the risen Christ with others, what part of the story of Christ do you think is most challenges for secular audiences to comprehend?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, we thank you for signaling to your disciples and to the world how you would die, and then be raised. Thank you for forecasting your ultimate sacrifice in such a manner that inspired others to follow you and inspires each of us to be witnesses to your story of redemption. Amen.
The Passionary Intention
Today, I choose to live my life with passion. Today, I intend to follow Christ more nearly, love more dearly and incarnate God’s grace more clearly by asking myself three questions:
The Passionary Movement Word and Witness devotion is published weekdays (Monday – Friday). Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies is the author of today’s devotion.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash