John 2:13-22
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Before you read today’s passage, take a moment to remember this phrase in the opening words of John’s Gospel, “He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him (John 1:10-11).”
Now read John 2:13-22 with those thoughts in mind.
The temple complex that Jesus and his disciples enter is not the original. This third iteration was built by Herod and is known as Herod’s Temple. But the sacred meaning of the temple for Israel is the same – this is the place where Israelites come to encounter the presence of God.
Throughout the Old Testament story, God provided a place for people to worship and experience God’s presence. First it was the garden, later it was the Tabernacle (tent of worship) and then it was the temple in Jerusalem.
Jesus is God in the flesh, and what he encounters as he enters the temple complex flies in the face of all that God intended the temple to be. Instead of a place to worship God, the temple area has become a smelly marketplace. The whole temple system is corrupt as Israelites are forced to buy sacrifices rather than offer animals from their own livestock. Israel was meant to be a light to the nations, but now in this most sacred place the poor and the foreigner are exploited by opportunistic livestock vendors and money changers.
Read John 2:13-22 again paying special attention to the Jewish leaders’ reaction to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple.
Th Jewish leaders don’t try to defend the misuse of the temple area, they only question why Jesus thinks he has the authority to set things right. God in the flesh is standing in the temple among his own people, but they don’t recognize him.
Take a moment to contemplate the fact that Jesus has the authority to set things right. What needs setting right in or around you? Talk to Jesus about this.
Jesus last words in this passage point to the time when his human body, the place of God’s presence, will be destroyed and then raised to life again. Jesus’ outrageous sacrifice will open the way for people to experience the presence of God within themselves through Jesus’ Holy Spirit.
Stop for a moment and consider this: If you believe in and follow Jesus, he lives in you by his Spirit. You, along with everyone who follows Jesus, are now the temple of God.
What thoughts or feelings arise when you consider this? Share these with Jesus.
How are people you encounter experiencing God’s presence through your life? Talk to Jesus about this, and if you sense Jesus inviting you to do something new or different, commit to taking a step in that direction today.
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