Jesus, the True Temple

Summary

• In John 2:13–25, Jesus cleansed the temple in Jerusalem, driving out merchants and money changers who had turned the House of God into a place of commerce.
• This bold act reveals Jesus’ passion for true worship and the sacredness of God’s House.
• When questioned about His actions, Jesus foretold His death and resurrection, describing His body as the new temple.
• His disciples later recalled His words and understood their deeper significance.

Reflect

1. Why do you think Jesus was so passionate about preserving the sanctity of the Temple? What does this teach us about the priorities of worship in our own lives?

2. Reflect on your personal "temple"—your body and soul. Are there distractions or "money changers and merchants" that you need to drive out so that you can worship God without hindrance? What must you do to cleanse your “temple”?

Watch

Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff

This video highlights Jesus’ zeal for true worship and the right priority in God’s house. The cleansing of the temple challenges our superficial view of Jesus, revealing a Saviour who is not only gentle and kind but also fiercely protective of what is sacred. This act underscores His concern for justice, the inclusion of all people in worship, and the importance of honouring God rightly.

Reflect

3. We often see Jesus as a gentle and peace-loving leader. Yet His aggressive action in cleansing the Temple gives us another view of Jesus. How does this passage challenge your view of Jesus’ character? How does His passion for God’s glory inspire you to develop a deeper passion to honour God in your daily life?

Closing Prayer

Ask God to cleanse your heart and life of anything that hinders true worship. Pray for a deeper understanding of Jesus’ authority and love. Pray for the courage to pursue justice, holiness, and a closer relationship with Him.

Additional Resources

Temple
The temple is a rich biblical image, describing the place where God and humanity overlap. Learn more about how the temple points to Jesus in this video.