For the first time in the book of John we see the Jews asking for a sign to prove Jesus’ authority. Jesus responded, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:13-19). We know he was speaking of his body because John tells us, but the Pharisees didn’t. They thought he was talking about the physical temple built by Solomon. Jesus did not clear up their misunderstanding. In fact, he seemed to purposely be obscure.
The Jews were not seeking the truth. We know they wouldn’t have believed if he had “given them a sign” because John tells us Jesus did many signs while he was still at the temple (John 2:23). Truth is hidden from those who do not seek it, but revealed to those who do seek it (Pr 2:2-4).
