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John 2:13-22
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.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: As we continue our Advent series on signs and symbols, we turn our attention to John 2:13-22. When Jesus enters the temple during Passover, He finds the outer courts overrun with people selling animals. A place meant for prayer for all nations had become a noisy outdoor market. The greedy act of turning worship of God into a business endeavor offended Jesus. So, He cleared out the moneychangers and their animals in an act of prophetic judgement. The Pharisees ask Him to show them a sign to prove His authority. He tells them He will raise up the temple 3 days after they destroy it. The Pharisees think Jesus is speaking of the building in Jerusalem, but Jesus was actually speaking about his body, the true dwelling place of God. As we hear this passage preached, let's rejoice because through our risen Savior, we can enter the presence of God at any time and in any place.
Review & Apply
Does this passage make Jesus seem harsh? How does Jesus' zeal and righteous anger shape your perspective of Him?
What does Jesus' reaction tell us about His passion and love for people who are far off (Gentiles) to know God?
Why would Jesus use the temple as a symbol for His body?
The disciples didn't understand Jesus' statement when He first spoke it; only later, in light of His resurrection, did their meaning become clear. Similarly, how can we wait with faith when we don't know what God is doing?
How does this passage encourage us to view the Scriptures through a Jesus-shaped lens?
Read Hebrews 4:14-16 and consider the great privilege of approaching God confidently in the blood of Jesus. Have you given thanks that in Jesus you have intimate access to the Father at all times?
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