John 2:13-22

 (1) What were there money changers in the temple?

(NET) Because of the imperial Roman portraits they carried, Roman denarii and Attic drachmas were not permitted to be used in paying the half-shekel temple-tax (the Jews considered the portraits idolatrous). The money changers exchanged these coins for legal Tyrian coinage at a small profit.

The offerings of oxen, sheep and dove were commanded by the OT. The exchange of coins was added later on. However, the most important thing was, Jesus said, 'Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace! v.16" The selling of the sacrifice and the exchanging of money for the offerings should not have taken place there! Imagine how could people have solemn prayer during the offering time? How could the Levites sing praises in the midst of the noise made by the animals? No one said anything about that until Jesus came to the temple during Passover. 

(2) Why did the Jewish leaders ask for a sign from Jesus when he cleaned the temple? v.18 (PNTC) the cleansing of the temple demanded that Jesus provide some credentials. 

2:17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will devour me.”
(NET) Jesus’ disciples remembered Psalm 69:9, which speaks of the fact that the Righteous One would pay a price for His commitment to God’s temple. This zeal for God would ultimately lead Him to His death.

Jesus cleansing the temple to show that He was the owner of that place.  Or at least He showed the priests the proper purpose of that place. Therefore, the Jewish leaders would like him to show them a miracle to see whether He was from God. 

(3) 2:19 Jesus replied, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again.”

v.21 But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body.

(BKC) Jesus meant His body which, after his death, would be resurrected in three days.
(NET)  John points to the fact that, as the place where men go in order to meet God, the temple has been supplanted and replaced by Jesus himself, in whose resurrected person people may now encounter God (see John 1:18, 14:6).

Not only did Jesus replace the place of the temple, but also the function of the temple. Jesus functioned as the tent, the court and the ark were, the priests and even the sacrifices! Those things and people were just temporary. Jesus is eternal and His offering was once for all.

Reflection: Are we used to the marketplace worship? No one cared about the time to meet with God, whether we have the right atmosphere or not. Now, Jesus said He cared. How about you? Do you give your sleepy time before bed to God for devotion? Or do you have your minds wandering during Sunday worship?

His body was dead and resurrected in 3 days. That was the sign given to the Jewish leader that He could claim ownership of the temple.  Thank God for the resurrection miracles. He is alive.   

Jesus's body is the temple. He led us to God. We can worship anywhere, anytime and all the time. We are no longer limited to a space, but do we worship God more? Do we appreciate that we have this Channel Who died for us so that we can come before God? 

Audrey