John 2:13-25

Introduction

Story of the actual Denali. We thought we thought we saw and bring it back at the end.

The first passover and its significance.

The New International Version Chapter 2

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money.

Let me give you a picture of what is happening. It was passover and there was no television access where you could just remotely celebrate. No matter how many miles away from Jerusalem you were, you had to make your way there at passover. You, your whole family, and tribe. Passover was not just some party but a place you would bring your sacrifice. If you didnt do this then your sins were not passed over and you were not in good standing. The pressure to make it there and to offer unto God was massive.

Now God implemented this for our own good, but what God meant for good, the Jewsish leaders saw profit. No not prophet. It is hard enough to get families and belongings and take the long meca to Jerusalem. BUt then I would have to do so with my bull or calf or sheep or whatever sacrifice I have. So the Jews decided lets make it easier, lets provide sacrifice for purchase. This not a horrible idea and could even be beneficial. Some suggest it isnt but I believe the issue was not that these items could be purchased. But the Jews new many didnt have any other option so they charged outrageous prices. Also, anyone over the age of 20 had to pay the temple tax but it had to be paid with their money because of the purity of the silver required by law. So they set up moneychanging stations and the mark up on money changing and cattle was said to be 12%!. Who recieved the money for that? The priests and jewish leaders of course.

So now you see why Jesus was bothered. Lets see what he does

The New International Version Chapter 2

15 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. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” o

So Jesus does what any good son would do in His father’s house when it is being mistreated. Go walk into my dads house and start messing up the equipment and destroy the garden and the yard and mess with my moms kitchen and let me catch you and we are gonna have problems. He releases all the cattle. This would be no easy thing but if the wind and waves obey his voice cattle can then as well. The coins from the moneychangers are poured out and scattered across the temple floor.

He demands they stop turning it into market. The temple of God was never intended to turn a profit.

There is a fine line of this that happens today. There are some that say pastors should live the life of a poor man. The church doesnt need any money and should be used like beggars basically. This could not be any further from the truth. Pastors should be paid the right wage for their context surrounding and ministry. The church should not look like a dump. (nicaragua). We serve the God who owns everything and we are His children.

On the other side some pastors are paid like rockstars and we are surprised when they live and act like rockstars. We have turned churches into event buildings, mini malls, and complexes of this world. This is incorrect as well if used for own gain and prophet.

The very thing that was happening in those days is happening today and Jesus is as angry with it now as He was then. Its not about selling things. Its not even about convenience. Its about using God, His church, His holiness, his plan, to further our desires, our pockets and our greed. It is despicable.

We must remember our position, We are sinners in need of saving and without God we have nothing. Then we take His free gift and try and sell it to the highest bidder. If I told Doug I was starving and I need food and he freely gave me that food and then I went and took that food and sold it so I can get a new paint job on my cadilac. Doug would rightfully be hurty and upset.

John quotes from King David, “Zeal for your house consumes me”

David Had great zeal for the temple and fought for it

Jesus, who time and time again is compared to the story of David is the greater David had great zeal and even died for it. This event and sign was enough to give the Jews reason to kill Jesus and He knew that, which is why He says this next.

The New International Version Chapter 2

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken

The Jews obviously thought there must be some sort of authority here or he would have been arrested immediately. Jesus was new on the scene and had just performed his first sign at the wedding in a semi public venue. They might have thought it was like John the Baptist a prophet, but they did not realize he was the Great prophet.

The sign was right before them and they missed it.

They knew what they were doing was wrong but they did not care. They did not want to be told and so Jesus could havbe done many things yet they still would have chosen their sin. Their hearts hardened by greed and selfish desrire. They prayed time and time again for the great Messiah and He was right before them.

God give me a sign I need to do this hard thing or talk to someone about Jesus. HE ALREADY HAS. Most of the things we consult Him on He has already spoken. The truth is we just dont want to do it.

Back to DENALI

The New International Version Chapter 2

23 Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. 24 But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. 25 He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

There is a difference in knowledge and even captivation and saving faith. You can believe Jesus exists and performs signs and even be amazed by the signs, but the people did not see the sin in their own heart and their own need for Jesus.