On Tuesday, we just studied the story of Jesus's first miracle where he changed water into wine when a wedding ran out of wine. We talked about what we learn about God:
- God's provision for human needs.
- God desires to take away our shame.
- The New Covenant with joy and celebration
Today we're looking at the story that follows, where Jesus suddenly seemed to be a totally different person. Why? Actually, Jesus is the same person. He's still concerned about the exact same things - our relationship with God.
Let's watch the video.
The Passover - Jesus's ministry on earth began and ended on a Passover
Gospel of John - In the previous chapter, we have learned that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29)
The Temple in Jerusalem
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Read the story in John 2:13-22 - Jesus at the Temple
13 It was almost time for the Jewish Passover, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 There in the Temple area he saw men selling cattle, sheep, and doves. He saw others sitting at tables, exchanging and trading people’s money. 15 Jesus made a whip with some pieces of rope. Then he forced all these men and the sheep and cattle to leave the Temple area. He turned over the tables of the money traders and scattered their money. 16 Then he said to those who were selling pigeons, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a place for buying and selling!”
17 When this happened, his disciples remembered what was written in the Scriptures: “My devotion to your House burns in my heart.”
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What's the problem here? Why is Jesus so angry?
There is nothing wrong with selling and buying things. To understand the problem, we need to ask the question: What are the animals for?
The animals were to be killed on behalf of the people. This was required so that people could have their sins forgiven and draw near to God. So there were 3 problems:
- People turned the worship of God into an opportunity for selfish gain
- They destroyed the real meaning of sacrifice
- They added extra barriers for the Gentiles and the poor who wanted to worship God
How did Jesus and the people see the Temple differently?
Notice what Jesus calls the Temple: "My Father's House".
- It’s a relationship with the Father
- It belongs to the Father
- It’s not only a place for fulfilling duties and making selfish gains
What were the disciples’ reaction?
17 When this happened, his disciples remembered what was written in the Scriptures: “My devotion to your House burns in me.”
Why quote Psalm 69? It was a psalm that points to the coming Messiah going to restore God’s kingdom (house). Quoting from Psalm 69 means Jesus is the one prophesied in the Old Testament who would come to restore everything in God’s house.
How did people react?
They asked “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”
19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” 20 They replied, “It has taken 46 years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
The people kept thinking of the temple as a dead physical building, rather than God's salvation and our relationship with Him.
Although the people in this story hadn't seen a lot of signs yet, they would have numerous opportunities to witness Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons. Eventually, they would see the most important sign: Jesus would die and come back to life.
Verse 21: But the temple Jesus meant was his own body.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin and shame.
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Questions
If you’re already following Jesus:
1. Do we have a “devotion to God’s house that burns in you”?
2. Have we added any barriers to our own or others’ relationship with God?
If you’re not yet following Jesus:
1. Do you believe Jesus is the one who can remove all barriers between you and God?
