John 2:20
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
“Wat! Dit het 46 jaar se harde werk gekos om hierdie tempel te bou! En jy wil dit sommer in drie dae doen!” sê die Jode dadelik.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from John's gospel, the Jewish leaders are responding to Jesus after he says something about destroying and rebuilding their temple in three days. They point out that it took 46 years to build the temple they're referring to, so they think what Jesus is saying doesn't make sense.
Explained for Children
Imagine you spent a whole summer building a big sandcastle with your friends, but someone came along and said they could rebuild an even bigger one in just a day. That's how surprising it was when Jesus talked about rebuilding the temple quickly!
Historical Background
This verse is from John’s Gospel, written around 90-100 AD. It describes events during Jesus' ministry that took place in Jerusalem where he met with Jewish leaders at the time of Passover.
Living It Out Today
When you hear something unexpected or challenging about your beliefs, it's important to question and explore rather than dismissing outright. Like the Jews who questioned Jesus’ words, we can sometimes miss deeper meanings when they don't align with our expectations.
Topics
faithtemplemiraclesdisbeliefJesus' teachingssigns and wonders
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Jews question Jesus about building the temple in three days?
The Jews questioned Jesus because they knew it took a very long time to build their grand temple, so they were skeptical of his ability or claim to do it quickly.
What does this verse reveal about Jesus' teachings and actions?
This verse shows that Jesus often spoke in riddles or metaphors, challenging the audience's understanding and encouraging them to see beyond physical things to deeper spiritual meanings.
How long did it actually take for the temple's construction according to John 2:20?
According to John 2:20, the Jews said that constructing the temple took forty-six years up until that point.
What does this verse tell us about the Jewish leaders' attitude towards Jesus?
This verse reflects a dismissive and skeptical attitude from the Jewish leaders who did not fully understand or believe in Jesus’ divine mission and capabilities.
Compare John 2:20 across all translations →