When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” He was speaking about His own body. The destruction of the temple referred to His death, and the raising of it referred to His resurrection.
“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ Then the Jews said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.”
John 2:19–22 (NKJV)
Do you know that in the same way, your body is the temple of God?
How did this discussion between the Master and the Jews come about in the first place? The conversation between Jesus and the Jews arose because He had gone into the physical temple and found that it had been turned into a marketplace. What was meant to be a sacred place of worship had become a business center, a financial hub, and, as Jesus called it, “a den of thieves.”
He was deeply displeased with what the temple was being used for. Trade and exploitation were never meant to take place in God’s holy space. Folks were abusing the freedom of the temple for selfish and carnal gain. In righteous anger, Jesus reacted drastically; overturned their tables, drove them out, and restored order. That day, many witnessed what they considered a shocking side of Jesus. Not a “crazy” Jesus, but a holy and zealous one—consumed by reverence for God’s dwelling place.
I want to take this moment to remind us to pause and reflect on how we treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus was so protective of the physical temple, how much more concerned is He about how we treat our bodies, which are now the dwelling place of His Spirit?
We have a duty to our bodies that they are taken care of in a way that is pleasing and edifying to God.
“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NKJV)
Your body is not insignificant. It is holy. It is precious. It is God’s temple.
The disciples remembered what was written about Jesus: “Zeal for Your house has consumed Me.” He was passionate about God’s dwelling place— the image, the reverence and the glory of the temple. In the same way, God is passionate about your body and its treatment.
There is something quite interesting that Paul says in scriptures:
“Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.”
1 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV)
It is possible to sin against our own bodies. We mostly think of sin as something that affects our spiritual relationship with God. But we see here that sexual immorality is a sin against our physical bodies. Paul reminds us to be mindful of our bodies.
The temple of God is significant to God.
Your body is significant to God.
God lives in His holy temple.
God lives in your holy body.
Yes, your physical body is holy.
The Bible says, “The body is for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.” How beautiful is that? Your body exists to honor God, and God is deeply committed to the well-being of your body.
Therefore, we have a responsibility toward our bodies. Caring for them is not vanity. It is worship. It is obedience. It is stewardship.
First and foremost, Paul instructs us to flee sexual immorality. Engaging in sexual sin is a direct violation against your body and against God’s temple. Your physical body is your access point to the physical world. It deserves honor, and protection. What is good for the Father, is good for you; it ultimately preserves and strengthens you.
This obedience to God’s design safeguards your body, your mind, and your future.
At this point, it is important to address a sensitive but critical issue. There are people who have experienced sexual and physical abuse—either in the past or even presently. If this is you, hear this clearly: what happened to you is not your fault. God is completely against abuse in every form. Your body is His holy temple, and no one has the right to violate it.
Just as Jesus drove out those who defiled the physical temple, you are called to protect your body. Please find the courage to seek the help you deserve. Speak up. Reach out. Do not allow the continuous abuse of your body. Do not accept the impulse to hide it. Do not suffer in silence. Do not allow shame to imprison you. God desires your safety, healing, and restoration.
Remember:
The body is for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
God cares deeply about what is happening to you. Ask Him for help. He will guide you with wisdom and surround you with the support you need. Abuse damages not only the body but also the mind and emotions. Healing is both spiritual and psychological, and God is faithful to restore every part.
Your body is sacred.
Your body is valuable.
Your body is God’s dwelling place.
Treat it with the reverence, dignity, and honor it deserves.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Health, Healing, and God’s Will for Wholeness. I highlight God’s desire for your physical and mental health, and how to steward your body responsibly through diet, rest, and preventive care. Be inspired.