The Gospel for this week (John 2:13-22) contains John’s story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. John mentions the cleansing the Temple early in Christ's ministry in order to make a point. Cleansing the Temple emphasizes Christ’s zeal for honoring the Father, and it is a foreshadowing of His rejection, death, and resurrection. This account also brings up a general New Testament theme- the relationship between Jesus and the Jerusalem Temple. The Temple is a recurring backdrop for Christ’s whole life on earth. From His infancy through Holy Week, our Lord visits the Temple numerous times.
In John 2, Jesus shows respect for the original purpose of the Temple. The Jerusalem Temple was a holy symbol. It represented the divine presence. It was His Father’s earthly house, the primary place of prayer, meant to draw all people to God. The outer court was intended to be a place for religious study, discussion, and prayer, not just for Jews but for all nations.
Unfortunately, the practicalities of the sacrificial cult had been used as excuses for greed and worldliness. Trade and graft had overwhelmed true attitudes of worship. And Jesus was filled with holy anger at this corruption. In John 2:16b, He says, “you shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (RSV). Later Christ's followers would realize that such zeal for true spiritual worship of the Father was a key factor in His rejection and death.
Along with His respect for the old Temple, Christ also presents Himself as the new and true Temple. He is God the Word incarnate, and the Holy Spirit is with Him. Our Gospel today alludes to this. Jesus is becomes the new focus for the divine presence. His body is a greater temple, the chief dwelling place of God among men. Christians are freed to worship God through Christ in all places and times!
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