(John 2:13-25; Matthew 21:12-13, 23-27; Mark 11:15-17, 27-33; Luke 19:45-46 and 20:1-8, ESV)
Jesus returns to the temple in Jerusalem at the Passover for the first time since he was twelve years old. As a grown man, he sees things differently from when he was a young boy captivated by the wonder of it all.
And what he sees, he does not like – major commerce being conducted in the courtyard of the temple, selling and buying of animals to be used as sacrifices, and currency exchange traders between Roman and Jewish money.
He makes a whip of bulrushes, which is far less powerful than his post-baptismal power as the Son of God, and drives them all out while overturning their tables and chairs. And he issues a command:
“’Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (Jn 2:16).
This command is a stunning transition from the boy who eighteen years earlier asked:
“Did you not know that I had to be at my Father’s” (Lk 2:49)?
Back then, he was a Son in his own house, but with no authority. Now, he is a Son over his own house, the heir to his Father’s rights! There is no human on the planet who can challenge his authority and prevail.
His disciples, watching from aside, remember ancient Scripture and once again realize who it is they are following – the Messiah!
“Zeal for your house will consume me” (Psalm 69:9).
The Jewish rulers of the temple seem hesitant to act. Instead of arresting him, they ask him what sign he would show for performing such violence. Jesus answers cryptically with what amounts to a warning:
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (Jn 2:19).
Three days to restore what took 46 years to build?
No, three days to restore what will take took 30 years to mature, and three more yet to come to minister on earth before being murdered by these same Jews! Jesus as Son of God is now the foundation of the temple, and the Jews have no clue, despite centuries of prophecy.
And if Jesus is the foundation, who do you supposed the living stones who make up the walls and support the roof?
“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” (Jn 2:22).
This story ends with a classic distinction between the perfect unity among all believers in Jesus, which he desires with all his heart and which the disciples are dedicated to already, and this:
“…many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people…for he himself knew what was in man” (Jn 2:23-24).
The contrast is stark.
If you believe in Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, King, and Son of God, you are in unity with him and have eternal life.
If you do not, God cannot trust you – not a good position to be in.
It is not too late.
The Cycle leads us to repentance, and that is all that is required, because then the never-ending love of Jesus kicks in, and we are forgiven souls, restored to eternal life with him forever!
Who would not want to take advantage of this grace right now and leave the temptation, disobedience, disunity, warnings, and judgment far behind!