How can we apply Jesus' response to skepticism in our daily witness? Setting the Scene at the Temple “Then the Jews demanded, ‘What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’” What the Skeptics Asked • They wanted visible, immediate proof. • Their focus stayed on earthly structures and human credentials. • They missed the larger, spiritual reality Jesus was unveiling. Jesus’ Response: Pointing to the Resurrection • He did not offer a quick miracle on demand. • He anchored His authority in a future, historical event—His bodily resurrection. • Verse 22 confirms it: “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.” Principles for Our Daily Witness • Keep the focus on Christ’s resurrection—our unshakable proof (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • Resist the urge to perform or entertain; rely on the power of the gospel itself (Romans 1:16). • Speak plainly but confidently; Scripture is inherently convincing (Hebrews 4:12). • Expect misunderstanding yet stay patient—Jesus let His words stand until the appointed time. • Model integrity; Jesus’ earlier cleansing of the temple (John 2:14–17) showed righteous living accompanies clear words. Putting It into Practice 1. When questioned about faith, pivot to the historical reality of the empty tomb. 2. Share how the resurrection changed you personally (Revelation 12:11). 3. Offer the Word, not just opinions—hand someone John 20 or 1 Corinthians 15 to read. 4. Pray beforehand for the Spirit to open eyes (Acts 16:14). 5. Live consistently; hypocrisy fuels skepticism more than any argument. Additional Scripture Reinforcements • Acts 17:30–31—God “has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead.” • 1 Peter 3:15—“Always be ready to give a defense… yet with gentleness and respect.” • Matthew 12:39–40—Jesus calls the resurrection “the sign of Jonah,” the definitive sign. Summary Takeaways • Skeptics still ask, “What sign can you show?” • Our answer mirrors Jesus’: point to the resurrection. • Present Scripture confidently; live it consistently; trust God for the results. |
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