In this passage, Jesus is quoted as saying He will destroy the temple made with human hands and rebuild another not made with hands in three days. This statement was misunderstood by many as a literal threat to the physical temple in Jerusalem, a sacred and central place for Jewish worship. However, Jesus was speaking metaphorically about His own body. The temple He referred to was His body, which would be crucified and resurrected in three days. This profound declaration points to the shift from the old covenant, centered around the physical temple, to the new covenant, centered around Jesus Himself.
The resurrection of Jesus signifies the establishment of a new spiritual temple, where God's presence dwells not in a building but within the hearts of believers. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' death and resurrection, offering a new way for humanity to connect with God. It invites believers to reflect on the nature of true worship, which is not confined to a place but is a personal and spiritual relationship with God through Christ. This passage encourages us to embrace the new life and hope found in Jesus.