Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.
Martin Luther

Zeal For Gods House

Zeal For Gods House

Title: Zeal for God’s House
Descript.: A Sermon from John 2:12-22 on the Cleansing of the Temple

Text: John 2:12-22
Tracing: Preached January 3, 1993 AM at SDCC.

  1. INTRO

    A tour of the Holy Land can be a fascinating experience. The exact site of many events cannot be known for certain, but others can. To walk the paths that our Lord walked and look on hillsides that are probably little changed from then until now is a moving experience. But sometimes things strike you as seriously out of place. In the midst of a moving experience, twentieth century commercialism intrudes. Two things are universally present on significant religious sites in the middle east: 1) A church, mosque, or shrine 2) Souvenir vendors. When I was able as a teenager to visit the Holy Land, I remember the well in Samaria where they believe Jesus met the Samaritan woman. An ancient church building (now in ruins) had been built there to commemorate that encounter, but even on the grounds of the church were merchants small bottles of water from the well as souvenirs. It just seemed out of place.

    And that was a historical site, long unused for corporate worship! How much more inappropriate must it have seemed to Jesus to find merchants in the courts of the Temple where God’s people were supposed to be seeking Him!

    It was to be a place of prayer, of worship, of communion, of reconciliation — instead it was filled with bartering, haggling, buying and selling. No wonder Jesus was enraged! Lets read the story in John 2:12-22.

While this event is instructive as to Jesus’ attitude towards the Temple and the worship which was to take place there, it is equally significant as a picture of the effect He wants to have in our lives! Consider:

  • In 1 Cor. 3:16-17, Paul refers to the church as God’s Temple
  • In 1 Cor. 6:19-20, the body of an individual believer is described as a temple of the Holy Spirit. B. BODY — Whether in the Physical Temple, the Church, or the life of the

    believer:

    1. Jesus Seeks to Restore Worship in the Temple of God. v.12-17

      IN THE TEMPLE: The “money-changing” began as a convenience to the worshippers — inspecting their animals, selling them to those who made their living in other ways, exchanging foreign currencies for Jews of the dispersion who returned home to make sacrifices. It was to be but a means to an end — worship. But it intruded into the temple itself, it became corrupt in every respect, probably benefitting the priestly class (Sadducees) and the High Priest. Making money became more important and more noticeable than the worship and prayer that was supposed to take place!

      In challenging the money-changers, Jesus was dipping into Annas’ billfold — and He was to do it not once but twice! Nothing was more risky. But such was the importance to Jesus that His people not fritter away their opportunities for communion with God by a preoccupation with the temporal.

IN THE CHURCH: Surely the Temple of the New Covenant (the church) is never abused in this way is it? Yes — when we pursue activity for activity’s sake, fun for fun’s sake, and fellowship for fellowship’s sake. Our programs, activities, study, and fellowship are to be only a means to an end. Our goal is two-fold: to make new Christians and help Christians grow in Christ. All the things we use to help accomplish this goal should NEVER take center stage! If Jesus were here, are there tables he would overturn in anger? Would He see things that detract from the divine business intended to be conducted here? Ponder that question — tonight you’ll have an opportunity to address it as we dream our dreams for ’93. IN THE BELIEVER: Our lives are temples as well. Do we structure them so as to be conducive to worship, prayer, and communion with God? Or do we let them be filled with commerce, trade, and the cares of life? If Jesus could step into your life, what tables might he overturn? Do you spend too much time in your business or seeking wealth? Too much time in amusement and entertainment? What things in your life make it too loud to pray? If there are tables that should be kicked over, let Him help you do it yourself (it hurts alot less that way), you’ll have a chance to ask for help from all of us in a few moments as we have our decision time.

2. Jesus Has Authority to Restructure the Temple. v.18-22 IN THE TEMPLE — Because He WAS the God who was worshiped there. IN THE CHURCH — Because He is its Head and founder. IN THE BELIEVER — Because He bought us and owns us (1Co 6:19-20) All the above was proven by the RESURRECTION. That is all the proof Jesus offered and all he needed. His claims stand or fall with it. But He IS our Creator AND our Redeemer. He owns us and knows us perfectly. He has every right to reorder our lives and He will if we will allow it. Will you?

C. CONCLUSION

What tables would He overturn in your life? Don’t oppose Him, let Him do it. Share it with your brothers and sisters so we can help you keep things in order!

D. COMMENTS Prepared by Scott L. Purcell Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church 1501 Stokelan Drive Malden, MO 63863 (314) 276-2343 Reproduce, modify, and use freely for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom! If these outlines are of some benefit to you, a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!