Jesus Turns Over the Tables

John 2:13–25
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From Capernaum, Jesus went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover (v. 13). Every male Jew twelve years of age and older was required to attend the Passover Feast. What He found at the temple was very disturbing to Him (v. 14). What had perhaps begun as an accommodation to supplying lambs for visiting Passover guests, and a place for these same people to exchange money to pay the temple tax had degenerated into a lucrative money-making business.

Our Lord suddenly appeared in the temple and proceeded to clean house. He was careful not to destroy anyone’s property, but He made it clear that He was in command. His anger was kindled by the abuse He saw going on in this place (vv. 15-16). The Jews were shocked by His action and demanded that He show the source of His authority for doing this by giving them a sign (vv. 17-19). Jesus answered by saying, “Destroy this temple (my body) and in three days I will raise it up” (v. 19). The Jews took Jesus literally and ignored the spiritual and true meaning of His statement. 

Herod’s temple was started in 20 B.C. and not completed until A.D. 64. How could one man “raise it up” in three days (vv. 20-22)? This statement by Jesus was meant to be a prediction of His own death and resurrection. Many believed on His name, when they saw the miracles, but they did not accept Him with faith (v. 23). They only accepted Him as a miracle worker (verses 24-25).

Application

What standards of holiness do I have for my “temple” (my body)? I need to be careful about what excuse I use for getting angry. I can remember when I lost my temper at a referee. As a result, the Principle of my school made me write a letter of apology to the referee. At that point I realized that my temper was going to get me in a lot of trouble if I didn’t learn to control it.