My Father's House -John 2:13-17

John 2:13-17 ESV
13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money- changers sitting there. 15 And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money- changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”


Passover began as an observance and celebration of God's mighty hand on behalf of His chosen people. Over time the reverence and awe of that deed diminished in impact on the heart of the people . The olive tree had grown hollow and brittle in the harsh, drying sun. While Passover was meticulously observed as they gathered, they were more mindful of gathering than giving thanks to God.

Jesus goes up to Jerusalem. God used to reside here, and the glory of His presence would give light to that city, but that glory had departed. He returns to His people who had turned from Him, and takes them by surprise. As He entered the temple grounds, He was confronted with the idolatries of money and trade in God's house. The original purpose of the house had become muddied and futile. The form of godliness was there, but it was empty.

God begins to restore His house. He drives the merchants and money changers out, upsetting the thing it had become. It is true worship He seeks and has always sought. The zeal mentioned here is shared by the Father and Son. The house of God is the temple of The Lord and they are one. It is that one Spirit that unites us.


Malachi 3:1-4
1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers 'soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.




7 And he will swallow up on this mountain
the covering that is cast over all peoples,
the veil that is spread over all nations.
8 He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.