Knowing The Word in John: Jesus Cleanses the Temple, John 2:13-25

Have you ever heard Jesus referred to as “a gentleman”? This is a good example of why one should not relegate him to that category. Instead, we see a physically violent Jesus whip in hand driving animals and people out of the temple area. Did anyone think of calling in the riot police?

Jesus is incensed that his Father’s house is a place of trade. It is not so much that animals are present for sacrifices, for such sacrifices are commanded by God, but that they are part of a money-making business. According to John Milne, “The actual temple tax was paid in Tyrian shekels, used because of the high purity of their silver. The money changers charged a percentage for their service.” It is one thing to offer a sacrifice to God for your sins; it is another for someone to make money off your sins as you make atonement to God.

Jesus knew his sacrifice would cover all sins and be free to all. God had designed the temple sacrifices to point to his ultimate sacrifice. Instead, these temple practices pointed away from it as though one could purchase God’s forgiveness. This is what drove Jesus’ righteous anger.

2:13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”18 So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body.22 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.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Prayer: If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all righteousness (1John 1:9). Take some time to confess your sins to God and ask for and receive his forgiveness.