A Question About Jesus’ Authority

John 2:13-22

The Big Idea

Jesus’ authority is important, even when people do not yet understand his words. We can listen carefully and learn with reverence.

The Bible Story

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

John 2:13–22 tells how Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover and found sellers and money changers in the temple. After Jesus took firm action concerning the animals, coins, and tables, Jewish leaders asked what sign he could show for doing these things. This scene focuses on their question about Jesus’ authority. Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The leaders thought he meant the temple building, but John explains that Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body. After Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered his words and believed the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

Themes

Jesus’ authority and zeal Jesus’ body as the temple sign Reverence for the temple as Jesus’ Father’s house The disciples’ later remembrance and belief

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Jewish leaders face Jesus in the temple and ask what sign he can show for doing these things. Present the exchange as a serious question about authority, without supplying a sign or turning it into a confrontation scene.

Talk together

Talk about it

Why did the Jewish leaders ask Jesus for a sign?
What did Jesus mean by the temple of his body?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to help children notice how a question can reveal uncertainty about Jesus’ authority. Read John 2:18 with the illustration, then explain that the answer continues in the following verses. Keep the discussion focused on the temple setting, the leaders’ question, and John’s explanation about Jesus’ body. Avoid adding dialogue, a miraculous sign, or details from other Gospel accounts.

Source note