A Study Of John 2:13-25
A study of John 2:13-25 shows Jesus’ zeal for true worship, his authority as the Son of God, and vision into the heart of mankind.
A study of John 2:13–25 shows Jesus’ zeal for true worship
And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple. His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’” (ESV, John 2:15,17)
What does true worship look like? A full room with hands lifted up? A driving beat in worship music? Three point sermon with bulleted practical application?
Jesus had a genuine, religious zeal for the house of God. And he demonstrates it in this passage through righteous anger. But what set Jesus off? To understand, let’s begin with the Jewish temple design.
It was composed of courts that moved from outside to inside. Each with a restricted level of access.
- The Court of the Gentiles: Open to everyone, including non-Jews
- The Court of Women: Jewish men and women
- The Court of Israel: Only Jewish men
- The Court of Priests: Only Levitical priests
- The Holy Place: Only priests during scheduled service
- The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) Only the High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement
In V. 16, Jesus said, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” What did Jesus mean by this?
The Mosaic Law, required worshipers to offer animals without blemish for temple sacrifice. But animals from outside the temple were often rejected by temple inspectors. So, people purchased pre-approved animals from temple vendors at inflated prices. Furthermore, Roman currency was exchanged for temple currency with another high markup.
And all of these enterprises were set up for business in the Court of the Gentiles. An area of worship for Gentiles seeking the one true God. So, the problem was not that vendors themselves were dishonest. But that commercial enterprise supplanted worship. And this is what set Jesus off in righteous anger.
A study of John 2:13-25 shows Jesus’ authority as the Son of God
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (ESV, John 2:19)
Fashioning a whip from ropes, Jesus drove the animals along with merchants from the Court. And he over turned the money changer tables. The temple authorities responded indignantly. Who did Jesus think he was? And they demanded a sign. Why? Because they cared about Jesus’ divinity? No. But to challenge his authority. In other words, “We’re in charge here. Who gives you the right to supersede our authority?”
Jesus’ prophetic answer points to himself as the Messiah. He would die on a cross and resurrect three days later. And if the religious leaders knew the scriptures and were truly looking for the Son of God, they might have understood. And maybe recognized his actions demonstrated the words of Psalm 69:9.
A study of John 2:13-25 shows Jesus’ vision into the heart of mankind.
Many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people. (ESV, John 2:23-24)
Many people believed in Jesus because of his miracles. And while it’s a good start, it won’t last for long term discipleship. Because genuine faith is tested and refined over time. Deepened, strengthened, and proven by the rigors of life. Jesus knew this. And he taught about it in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-9.
But as the Son of God, he also had the divine vision David wrote about it in Psalm 139. And God affirms in 1 Samuel 16:7.
For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
Therefore, Jesus did not entrust himself to superficial faith. Perhaps that’s why he often spoke in parables. And avoided public claims he was the Messiah. He was side stepping Roman politics and carefully building the spiritual kingdom of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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