January 11
Bible Reading: John 2:18-22
John 2:18-22, “So the Jews said to him, ‘What sign do you show us for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”
Have you ever asked God to show you a sign? Somebody once asked Ken Ham (a well-known creationist), “Why doesn’t your God come and physically show Himself to us?” He replied, “He did, and they nailed Him to a cross!” The Jews asked Jesus for a sign. So, He gave them one!
Herod’s temple was a glorious edifice. It had taken a year and a half to build the temple proper and eight years to finish the courts. Other additions continued over time such that the entire undertaking took forty-six years. The temple trans versed an area of some 750 feet and was easily visible from any part of the city. Some stones used in its construction were of massive proportion (over 60X9X7 feet). Jewish life revolved around the temple, the priesthood, and the sacrifices. The temple was a beautiful edifice and of the highest importance to the Jews—the centerpiece of their Jewish identity. As beautiful as that temple was, something (someone) far more glorious stood in their midst!
The Jews demanded a sign that would authenticate Jesus’ authority for cleansing the temple. His response was to draw their attention to another temple, His own body. Temples serve as a place to meet with God. Herod’s temple was to serve that purpose. Jesus came to fulfill that purpose, and as He else wise explained, “something greater than the temple (was there)” (Matthew 12:6). The God who was to be the object of temple worship stood in their midst in the temple that was His body.
They demanded a sign, so Jesus offered one! Destroy Him, and three days later He would rise from the dead! At that point, not even the disciples understood what He was saying. Later they would. The sign authenticating His identity and authority was nothing less than His resurrection from the dead! That sign is still available to everyone. Do you wonder if God is true, if Jesus is real, if there is a God who loves you, who can deliver from sin and death? Look to the cross! He died for sins and rose from the dead! Having doubts? The cross and the empty tomb are where doubts go to die!
The Resurrection places a confirming stamp on Jesus’ life and words! His empty tomb is where doubts go to die!
MY HOPE IS IN THE LORD
My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Him-self for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.
Refrain:
For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He free-ly gives.
No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus’ righteousness [Refrain]
And now for me He stands
Before the Father’s throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own [Refrain]
His grace has planned it all
‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive [Refrain]
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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