“When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 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.” (John 2:13-15)

Before we question Jesus for his actions here, just know that the business practices of those selling livestock and exchanging currency had become extremely corrupt, taking advantage of the thousands in town for Passover.

Of note here is how quickly and decisively Jesus “addressed the problem.” John MacArthur comments on this passage: “When the holiness of God and His worship was a stake, Jesus took fast and furious action.”

As I read through this passage in John’s gospel I found myself quickly convicted. After all, Paul describes us (believers) as “temples of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Cor. 6:19-20) If, somehow, my body/temple were laid out like the 1st century temple – and Jesus walked in – what would He find? Would my spiritual condition prompt in Christ the same reaction the Jerusalem temple did?

Lord, reveal to me all the corruption in my heart and mind (there’s a lot). Forgive me, and – with swift force – “drive it out of me” so that I may say with the psalmist, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (19:14)

Soli Deo Gloria, Nick