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INTRODUCTION
Many times we try to read people. Listen carefully to their words, tone of voice, watch
mannerisms, expressions, body language. To see if they are comfortable with us, to
gauge our relationship, to see if we can trust them.
We try to read people often.
ILLUS: A couple dating each trying to read the signals sent by the other. A parent
trying to read what really is happening in their teenagers life. An employee trying to
read what his/her boss really thinks of them. A pastor trying to read his congregation
to see if they are really listening? You're reading me too! I think I can safely say
that Jesus was hard to read. He was so different.
John’s gospel records several confrontations where Jesus was misunderstood, miss read
by His audiences - from Pharisees to His own disciples. Yet, on the other hand, Jesus
clear understands us - reads us perfectly. See both in TEXT.
1. The Jews Couldn’t Read Jesus. 2:18-22
- The subject they couldn’t read was about His death and Resurrection.
- Jesus radically cleansed the temple (last week message), of course the
establishment shows up and challenges His authority and asks for a sign.
- “This is our domain what right do you have to come in here and disturb our
comfort zone? Do something miraculous to prove yourself?”
- His response - “You want a sign, here it is?” v. 19 However
you read it’s meaning, it was a very bold statement: literal or figurative?
- Of course the leaders thought we was talking about the Temple building.
- v. 20 In Jewish history there were three temple building projects.
First, Solomon’s took 7 ½ years to build, it was the greatest, then destroyed
by Nebuchadnezzar. 2nd - 70 years later after exile, the Temple was rebuilt
called Zerrubbabel's Temple, it took 20 years to rebuild, not as glorious. In
Jesus' time that temple was under a 3rd building project started by Herod the
Great. They had already spent 46 years remodeling the temple and really it
wasn’t done yet, (construction mess), in fact it didn’t get finished for
another 36 years - right before finally destroyed in 70 A.D.
- To rebuild the temple building in 3 days is ridiculous, impossible. Yet
remember they wanted a sign, if He were the Messiah He could raise up the
temple building in three days - but they couldn’t believe it of course.
- Unbelievers aren’t convinced by signs - John 12:37 Jews not impressed.
- But John records that Jesus wasn’t talking about the Temple building,
vs. 21. Jesus challenges the establishment, makes His listeners think
way outside the box. He was talking about His own body, which really was the
dwelling place of God - a Temple that sin will destroy, but a Temple that will
come back to life in just three days. Greatest sign of all.
- This is His first reference in John about His death and resurrection.
- But completely misunderstood by the religious leaders - too strange. They did
remember 3 years later during His trial and used it against Him.
- Even the disciples were in a fog for 3 years, but fog lifted after the
resurrection v. 22. “Scripture” = Psalm 16:10. Luke 24:45
- Jesus’ ministry centered on the truth of His coming resurrection. It was the
validity of His Sonship, His teachings, and our salvation. That was the finish
line on earth for Jesus. It became the ultimate incentive for the disciples
faith after Resurrection Sunday. They changed the world.
- The Jews want a sign to prove His authority, so He gave them the greatest sign
of all - here it is, “I will die and I will rise from the dead.” Of
course, they won’t believe that one either. Luke 16:30-31
ILLUS: Some people have hard time with resurrection. Documentary: “The
Lost Tomb of Jesus.” Paul Harvey: “The promoters of the movie, based
on absolutely nothing, ought to be ashamed of themselves.” (Feb. 28, 2007)
Apparently no one didn’t think to ask: “What do you mean by that?”
Application: Are there words of Jesus you don’t understand? Of course!
How to study Jesus' words/The Bible:
- Pray. Psalm 119:18 “Open my eyes that I may behold
wonderful things from Your Law.”
- Study the Scriptures, compare with other Scriptures Acts 17:11
- Listen to those who have Acts 13:42-44.
- Ask questions Acts 8:34-35.
Then BELIEVE.
ILLUS: Read just the Red Letter words of the Gospels: radical,
revolutionary, but also life changing and transforming. His words still
most powerful today.
QUOTES: (On Screen by Parker and Hopkins)
2. Jesus can read Us. 2:23-25
- According to this text, the subject Jesus can read is reality of our hearts.
- There are more miracles that Jesus did than what are recorded in Bible.
Miracles are natural to the supernatural Son of God.
- But what also was natural to the Son of God was His understanding of the real
heart of mankind. He knows what we are really like.
- Just because people say they believe doesn’t mean they believe. Only Jesus
knows the real heart of man. v. 23 “believe”, and
v. 24 “entrusted” are same GK word - they believed in Jesus,
Jesus didn’t believe in them.
- It takes more than believing miracles to be saved. It takes repentance, faith
in Christ’s work on the cross, a changed heart and life, obedience.
- Several times in John, he records that Jesus knew what people were thinking,
what was in their hearts: Nathanael, women at the well, enemies, in the upper
room His disciples. He knows without anyone telling Him.
- Jesus knows the heart condition of mankind - Jeremiah 17:9-10. Mixed
or impure motives. Fickle: we are delightful one moment diabolical next. Act
like a saint then act like a pagan. Bless then curse. Mark 7:21-23
- We need God to reveal to us what is in our heart: Psalm 139:1-16, 23-24
- Then we need God to do heart surgery: Ezekiel 36:26a “Moreover, I
will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”
CONCLUSION
Let us start with Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Is there any sin in your life you need to repent?
Do you need to rededicate your life for service to Christ?
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