Jesus Cleansed the Temple

This isn't the first time Jesus cleansed the Temple. He did it approximately three years earlier as well. After his miracle at the wedding of Cana, He went to Jerusalem for Passover and did the same thing (John 2:13-22). At that time, he made a whip and drove out the money-changers, His disciples remembered that "Zeal for your house will consume me," (Psalm 69:9) and the Jews questioned Him about His authority to cleanse the Temple, demanding a sign. His answer:

Cryptic. John's Gospel even says that the disciples didn't get it either until after Christ was raised from the dead.

So, here Jesus is doing the same thing again. He's chasing money-changers out of the Temple, albeit, without a whip this time. And again, those in authority were trying to trap Him in His words. And again, they couldn't. But this time, a small detail is added. Verse 48 says that all the people were hanging on his words. 

I'm sure they were. Just the day before, the people hailed Him as He entered the city. They blessed Him as their King crying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke19:38) Of course they are hanging on His every word! And of course the Jewish leaders were trying to find fault because He represented a very real threat to their authority.

But this day was only a cog in the wheel of God's greater plan. Within the span of a week Jesus would go from beloved King to crucified criminal. The LORD used this day to create anger in the hearts of the chief priests and scribes which would build up to their plot to kill Jesus.

Think about the fickle nature of the people. They are hanging on His every word right now, but in a matter of days, they will shout "Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Let His blood be on us and all our children!" They will play their role in destroying His temple, which God would raise on the third day. 

Don't be too judgmental on the people. We all have fickle hearts. As we move closer to Resurrection Sunday, consider how you have been fickle with the LORD. Ask Him to show you, and then repent of whatever He brings to mind.