The Passage
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.
Word Work
Put it in your own words. Read the passage or verse slowly, then rewrite each phrase or sentence using your own words.
Word Thoughts:
Matthew, Mark, and Luke record a second clearing of the temple, just prior to the crucifixion (see Mark 11:15–19 and parallels). By clearing the temple, Jesus displays prophetic passion for God’s house (John 2:17; compare Ps. 69:9). He also foreshadows judgment on the Jewish leaders who had allowed worship to deteriorate into commerce (see note on John 2:14). (1)
Word Reflection:
- What stood out?
- Why was the temple so important to Jesus? Did it represent something?
- What did Jesus mean that He would destroy the temple and raise it up in three days?
End in Prayer
Resources used: