Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Reflections on The Writings of John by Kenton Cheek, John 2:13-17

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.^”

I would imagine that many people who came to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices would have to purchase the animals to use in worship, but was it necessary to conduct this business within the temple itself? Think of how noisy this would have made this house of worship. It would have been a huge distraction for those trying to pray. In addition to the animals, there were currency exchanges where Jews from all over the empire would come and need to trade their regional currencies for those accepted by the temple.

It seems as though a separate building for such business would have been more appropriate. Jesus wanted the temple to be a holy, peaceful place of prayer, learning and worship. Throughout His ministry He set an example for us of the importance of finding quiet places to commune with the Father. May we follow His example in our lives today. Our Father’s House is made up of any gathering of believers. Let us come together, put away distraction, and focus on experiencing His Presence.

He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”—Matthew 21:13

But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion].—Luke 5:16

You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.—I Peter 2:5