“A Journey with John” Day 5: Jesus does a House cleaning. (John 2:13-25)

Last time, John took us to a wedding where we saw Jesus’ first miracle.

Before we go to a House cleaning, let’s look at the new people to whom John introduced us last time:

>Mary, the Mother of Jesus

>servants at the wedding

>the master of the feast

>Jesus’ brothers (in a passing remark)

Now, let’s go to this House cleaning!

Just before the Passover, Jesus goes up to Jerusalem. Then, going into the temple, He finds people selling animals (for sacrificing) and doing business. Jesus crafts His own whip, goes in, turns over all the tables of the money changers, and drives everybody out. Jesus then scolds them about making His Father‘s house a house of merchandise. At this point, our guide remarks that seeing Jesus do this, the disciples are reminded of Psalms 69:9 concerning zeal for God‘s House.

The Jewish leaders, taking umbrage to what Jesus had done, demand a sign from Him confirming His authority. Jesus informs them that if they destroy the temple, He would raise it back up in three days. The religious leaders, taking further umbrage, scorn Him, not realizing that Jesus was speaking of His own body. At this point, our guide gives further commentary, letting us know that after Jesus had risen from the dead, the disciples remembered what the Lord had said to the religious leaders. We leave this scene with John, our guide, telling us that many believed during this Passover, having seen the signs that Jesus did. John further informs that Jesus did not put himself in a position to be subject to the people, as He knew what was in everybody’s hearts.

Our highlighted verses for today:

“And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,”

‭‭John‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭16‬, ‭18‬-‭19‬, ‭21‬, ‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question for reflection:

What can we learn from Jesus’ cleansing of the temple that we can apply to ourselves?

Next time, our guide invites us to a secret meeting.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!