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.
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A. 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!
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