John 2:18

‘The Judaisers therefore answered and said to him, “What sign do you show us that you do these things?” '

Certain fervent Judaisers (men of religious dedication among the Jews) who had observed all this now came to Him, and they sought a sign from Him to justify what He had done. Let Him justify His prophetic act by giving a sign from God. This response in itself favours an early date at a time when they were still unsure about Jesus. As a reaction of some of the Jewish authorities it is interesting and significant. Those who were not directly affected by the act because it did not eat into their profits may well have thought like this, and have grudgingly admired what Jesus had done, because they also were not too happy about what was happening in the Temple. And we must remember that among the Jews it was a time of expectation. So they do not immediately react in hostile against what Jesus has done. As they had with John they rather question Him about Who He is. (This could not have happened at the end of His ministry when they were simply out to get Him).

After all, like others they eagerly awaited a unique figure who would aid their cause, for they too were sure that one day God would act as He had promised through such a unique figure, and the incident has done little harm. Indeed it is clear that they recognised that what He had done might well be a direct claim to having some kind of authority from God, and being aware that He already had some popularity, and was associated with miraculous events, they may well have been prepared at this stage to give Him a hearing. Thus rather than seeking His arrest they come to question Him. There was no love lost between the Pharisees and the Chief Priests. So if Jesus was amenable He could be useful. ‘What sign can you show us that demonstrates your right to do this?' They are not sure how to view Him.