Bible Studies
The Beginning of a Revolution (Jn. 2:13-22)
Series: Additional StudiesIntroduction:
1. Upon initial consideration this passage may not seem to stand out any more than any other passage of Scripture. 2. We might assess it as “Just another account of a historical event in the life of Jesus.” With such an assessment we would see it as little different than the account of the miracle in Cana of Galilee described in the previous verses and little different than the encounter with Nicodemus in the following verses. 3. But with such an assessment we might overlook the pivotal significance than John sees in this particular visit of Jesus in the temple. 4. Jesus had been here before.a. We do not know exactly how many times. Luke mentions that his parents went every year to the Passover (Lk. 2:41). Did He go each time?
b. We do know he was here for his circumcision. Luke records it as a particularly significant event (Lk. 2:22-38).
1) Simeon, speaking by the Holy Spirit, identified Jesus as the Christ and quoted Scripture of Him to the point that Jesus’ father and mother were amazed.
2) Anna, a prophetess, gave thanks to God and spoke of Him to all those looking for the redemption of Israel.
c. Luke records Him being there at age 12. He was found in the temple listening and asking questions among the teachers. When questioned by his mother he said, “Did you not know that I had to be about My Father’s business (in My Father’s house)?”
5. John does not notice these events—only the one we have read. 6. Matthew, Mark and Luke record a cleansing of the temple at the end of Jesus’ ministry (Matt. 21:12ff; Mk. 11:15ff; Lk. 19:45ff) that is omitted by John. 7. Why does he include this event in his account? I believe he saw it as a pivotal event—the beginning of a revolution. I believe there is a shift in John’s narrative at this point. Previously John has described Jesus’ contact with John the Baptist, His selection of the 12, and the wedding in Cana. Now this episode advances Jesus into a revolutionary position. He will abolish the corruptions that the selfish and faithless have introduced into the divine service. The character of His mission is revealed. The status quo will be interrupted. The 95 theses are nailed to the door. A revolution is begun. The tea is in the harbor. Pearl Harbor is attacked. The twin towers are destroyed. Nothing can be the same.Discussion:
I. Jesus confronted those doing business in the temple (13-17).A. It was premeditated.
1. He had been in Capernaum (about 100 miles walking). He made a scourge.
2. Evidences deliberate plan of action.
B. He demanded, “Stop making My Father’s house a place of business!”
1. What’s wrong with making it a place of business?
2. Such stood in direct contradiction to its purpose.
3. They had claimed and made their own what truly belonged to the Lord. The temple had become a market-house (mall), rather than a place of worship. It no longer derived its character from God, but from the world of materialism.
4. Their actions reflected their misplaced focus. Would you build an operating room and use it as a tool shed? A fine house and use it for bedding cattle? How much less then the house of God should be used for business enterprise! How selfish!
5. No different today than people using the church (not the building) for themselves.
a. A social organization.
b. A source of clients for business.
c. Or for any other self-centered advantage.
C. “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”
1. A quotation from Psa. 69:9.
2. Jesus was zealous for the house of God and for the purpose of God.
3. Psa. 69 is quoted as Messianic in other places.
a. Jn. 15:25 (v. 4).
b. Jn. 19:28 (v. 21).
c. Rom. 11:9-10 (v. 22-23).
d. Acts 1:20 (v. 25).
4. Thus there is an announcement of Messianic mission in this text.
D. Jesus’ actions here parallel the cleaning out of the old leaven (Ex. 12:15; cf. 1 Cor. 5:8).
1. It occurs at the Passover. Was it the first day?
2. Cleaning out of the old leaven occurred on the first day of the Passover.
II. Jesus’ resurrection was a sign of His authority (18ff).A. The revolutionary actions taken by Jesus prompted the Jews to ask for a sign. “If you have authority to do these things where is the proof?”
1. Reflects that they are thinking “revolutionary.”
2. If there is to be a revolution where is the proof?
B. He speaks of the resurrection, but does so in figurative language.
1. The Jews “don’t get it.” Their focus is on the temple.
2. The disciples, having looked back on his statements here after He was raised from the dead, recognized that He was talking about His resurrection.
3. What a powerful use of language to conceal and yet reveal in such a timely manner. But such is the nature of prophecy.
C. What greater sign could there be than resurrection from the dead?
1. Resurrection is the crux of Scripture.
2. It is the matter of first importance (1 Cor. 15).
3. It is the sign of a revolution—even a new creation (Gal. 6:15).
4. If Christ has not been raised—we are of all men most to be pitied for we have hung our life on it (1 Cor. 15:12ff).
D. The very introduction of the resurrection as a validating event marks what is occurring here as revolutionary.
III. The prophecy and Jesus’ resurrection led the disciples to believe the Scripture and the word that He had spoken (22).A. B. F. Westcott says, “The record is a commentary on Mal. 3:1ff.”
1. It speaks of the Lord coming to His temple and the messenger of the covenant coming.
2. His coming will be purifying.
B. The disciples recognized the inauguration of the new age.
C. They recognized the Scripture as absolutely true.
1. Westcott observes, “The phrase ‘the Scripture’ occurs elsewhere in John 10 times (8:38, 42; 10:35; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24, 28, 36, 37; 20:9). In every case except two (17:12 and 20:9) it refers to a definite passage of Scripture.”
2. He then offers Psa. 16:10 as the possible focus in this text. It is a focus in Acts 2:27, 31; 13:35.
3. Whether Psa. 16:10 is the particular passage John and the other disciples had in mind I do not know, but the theme of resurrection is certainly there in particular. But it is also part of the comprehensive message of Scripture.
D. It is interesting that it is from this context that John precedes to the new birth discourse with Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1ff).
1. Unless we believe in Him we will perish (Jn. 3:16ff).
2. Believing in Him results in eternal life (Jn. 3:15,16).
Conclusion:
1. Do you believe in this Revolutionary? 2. His proof is His resurrection. 3. Are you a part of His revolution?
