Daily Devotions
My Song In The Night (Gospel of John)
我夜间的歌曲 (约翰福音）
Understanding the Phrase 'The Jews'
Text: John 2:18 - 19
UNDERSTANDING THE PHRASE “THE JEWS”
The phrase “The Jews” is a reference to the people who had religious authority over Israel. They were called The Sanhedrin Council. There were seventy elected or appointed leaders who formed the Council. There were various sects in Israel in the first century.
1. Priests
They looked after the Temple and all its programs and activities. The High Priest was the acknowledged head of the Sanhedrin Counsel.
2. Scribes
These were scholars of the religious traditions of the nation of Israel. Sometimes, they were also addressed as “lawyers”.
3. Pharisees
This religious sect had a large number of followers. They were committed to keeping the religious traditions of Israel.
4. Sadducees
This was another religious sect. They often stood in opposition to the Pharisees. They believed only the Scriptures written by Moses (the first five books of the Scriptures often called The Pentateuch).
5. Elders
These were community leaders. They were generally much older people who had gained the respect of the people.
6. Rabbis/ Teachers of the Law
Not all of them would be admitted to the Sanhedrin Council. These were scholars whose main role was to function as teachers of the Law! (Nicodemus was a famous teacher and he was a member of the Sanhedrin Council.)
THE QUERY OF THE JEWS
They were of course upset with Jesus for “cleansing the temple”. They confronted Him and said,
“What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” John 2:18
1. They were asking Jesus for “a sign”
a. A sign of His authority and power.
b. Jesus did not belong to the Sanhedrin Council.
c. On whose authority did Jesus cleanse the Temple?
2. The Jews did not query the action of Jesus itself
a. They were aware of the abuse.
b. Some of them had personal business interest in the Temple market activities.
THE REPLY OF JESUS
“Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19