April 29, 2025 • 26 mins
Experience the intensity of Jesus' righteous anger as He clears the temple, revealing the true purpose of God’s sacred space.
In this episode, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and finds the temple overrun with merchants and money changers. Driven by a fierce zeal for His Father's house, He cleanses the temple, reminding everyone that God's house is meant to be a place of prayer and worship, not a marketplace.
Today's Bible verse is Psalm 69:9, from the King James Version.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The zeal for your house consumes me. The reproaches of
those who reproach you have fallen on me Psalm sixty
nine nine. Heavenly Father, we ask that you ignite within
us a passion for the things that matter to you.
(00:20):
Consume us with a zeal for your house, for your word,
and for your people. Let our hearts be aligned with
your desires, so we may live lives that honor and
glorify you. Cleanse our hearts from greed and self gratification.
(00:42):
Teach us to seek generosity and humility in all our actions.
May we be ever mindful of the needs of others
and willing to share the abundance you have given us.
Help us to turn away from selfish desire and instead
cultivate a spirit of selflessness and compassion. Grant us the
(01:08):
strength to act according to your will, to stand firm
in our faith even when faced with opposition. Empower us
to be a force for good in our families, in
our communities, and in the world. May our lives be
a testament to your grace and love. In Jesus' name,
(01:33):
we pray, Amen, Thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for an
intense story of Christ's righteous anger and pursuit of justice.
If you have the time, go ahead and follow this
(01:53):
podcast on whatever platform you're listening on. Spring was swiftly
approaching along with the Passover feast. The air was cool
and crisp as a gentle breeze danced across the grassy hills,
giving the appearance of a rippling golden sea delicately covering
(02:15):
the landscape. In the distance, one could hear the chatter
of birds in the air and the rustling of animals
scurrying to find food. Through this magnificent canvas of creation
walked Jesus with several of his disciples.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Rabbi, perhaps we should stop for a minute to catch
our breash.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
I'm sure we could all use a brake.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Nathaniel, sensing the other disciples were thinking the same thing,
looked to each one of them for support in his suggestion.
Over the last few days of their journey to Jerusalem,
it felt like there was a certain determination in Jesus's step. Sure,
they were all looking forward to their annual pilgrimage to
(02:59):
the Holy City to celebrate the Holy Day, but something
in their teacher's pace gave them the sense that he
had other things on his mind.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
My friends, there was much to do in Jerusalem.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
My legs agreeve with Nazanio.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
I suppose we would be remiss to not stop and
take a moment to enjoy my father's creation. Come take
a seat with me.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
The disciples found their own spots around Jesus and began
to take gentle SIPs from their water skins. Though their
destination wasn't much farther, their parched mouths and sore feet
relished this small but sweet moment of reprieve. As the
sun shone overhead, they began to reminisce about their time
(03:47):
together at the wedding in Cana. It was here that
Jesus performed his first miracle, allowing only a small number
of people to witness this display of from above. The
disciples were still piecing together their thoughts on just who
(04:07):
Jesus was, but there was no doubt in their minds
that the man who sat before them was the long
awaited Messiah who had come to rescue ad anize people.
Speaker 5 (04:24):
Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing.
It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer switched
to Gediphi shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns
your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return.
Gediphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two
(04:46):
free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or
always on the go, Gediphi shoes deliver the comfort and
versatility your fee grave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello
to unparalleled supp for it this summer. Enjoy a special
summer offer. Visit gediphi dot com and get twenty dollars
off your order of one hundred dollars or more with
(05:09):
code pray. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi shoes.
Visit g d e f y dot com today.
Speaker 6 (05:24):
Jesus is passionate about people accessing God. He's zealous for
unity and went to great lengths to win it back
for us. No greed, corruption or shame will keep us
from our creator. This is the Jesus podcast I'm Ethan
with pray dot Com. Today is day two of our
miniseries on Jesus, disrupting the status quo and showing us
(05:47):
a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus's teachings
and his passion, and we will learn about God's heart
for people and for his kingdom. Today, we're going to
take a walk with Jesus to the temple courts in Jerusalem,
where something unexpected is about to happen. This story from
John chapter two, verses thirteen through twenty two is one
(06:10):
of those moments in Jesus's ministry that makes us sit
up and take notice. It's the day when Jesus flips tables,
drives out money, changes, and declares, do not make my
father's house a house of merchandise.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
With the Holy Day drawing near, Jerusalem was bursting at
the seams. Thus masses of pilgrims proudly and joyfully made
their way to give homage to God. Each year, Jewish
men in the region left their homes, many bringing their families,
and gathered together in Jerusalem, thus one people to celebrate
(06:49):
God's deliverance of their people from slavery. In Egypt, the
Passover was a reminder of God's merciful favor for them,
as the Death Angel passed over their houses that had
been marked with the blood of sacrificial lambs, and over
a thousand years later, Jews continued to worship their God
(07:12):
for his salvation. As Jesus and the disciples approached the
city gates, they could hear the murmuring of the crowded
streets in the distance.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Simon, do you remember your first pilgrimage with me in Oppa?
I'll never forget the look on that shopkeeper's face when
they found you hiding in the wagon.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
You know you don't have to tell that story every year, right,
I know.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
But it's such a good one. Ah.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
I love a good story come and to tell. Of course,
that is only if Peter has stick enough skin for it.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Jesus knew Simon's heart, and over the next few years
he would chip away at his pride. This seemed like
the perfect place to start. Andrew laid the embarrassing story
of Simon's run in with a shopkeeper, a priest, and
a ripe apple that somehow found its way into Peter's pocket.
(08:11):
As the group continued talking and laughing, they approached the
outer gates of the city, The impeccable stones rose from
the ground like a fortress. The great city of Zion
was a beacon of hope to the Jews, a constant
reminder of God's faithfulness and a testament to his people's
(08:34):
endurance through years of hardship. As thousands of Jews entered
through the gates, the stones could do little to hide
the bustling life within pilgrioms, and local citizens alike greeted
one another with smiles. Once inside the walls, Jesus and
(08:54):
the disciples walked along the dusty street, lined with little
shops set under long, narrow tents. Despite the multitude of
voices competing with one another, if one listened closely, they
could hear a symphony that played the sounds of centuries
worth of shared culture. Though the Jews had been scattered
(09:19):
over the course of many generations, they always found great
pride in being one people as God's children. As the
Disciples descended the crowded street, they realized they had lost
sight of Jesus.
Speaker 6 (09:37):
I see him over there.
Speaker 7 (09:39):
Stay close, or we'll be sure to lose each other
before we could get to him.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
As they approached Jesus, they found him in a pleasant
conversation with a small woman who stood at her shop
on a quieter part of the street selling leather goods.
As the disciples approached him, he calmly turned his attention
towards them, he slipped something into his back.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Shaloam, shaloam. My apologies for wandering off, But my friend
here says the best shops can be found at the temple.
Perhaps we should go and see what she's talking about.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Confused, the disciples gave a quick glance to one another,
and the Son of Man really made shopping his top
priority for the passover. But now wasn't the time for questioning.
Now was the time for listening and observing. Life was
quickly changing for the disciples of Galilee's newest rabbi, and
(10:36):
they would do their best to follow in his footsteps.
The temple stood in the easternmost part of the city.
Set upon the Temple Mount, it rose like a golden monolith,
directing one's gaze up to the heavens. Surrounded by several
courtyards filled with even more people, the temple's golden facade
(11:00):
shimmered as the sun's rays fell. The disciples eyes darted
from one place to the next, taking in the spectacles
all around them like little children. Their mouths stood slightly
agape as they strode through the vast courtyard. However, the
look on jesus face was markedly different. As Jesus took
(11:25):
in the scene around him, there was no hiding his disappointment.
Whenever one looked, they could find merchants selling sacrificial animals,
and money changers with purses full of Roman coins from
Jewish men who needed to convert their money to temple
currency to pay the temple tax. It was at this
(11:50):
point that the disciples peeled their eyes away from the
crowds and noticed Jesus sitting on some stone steps. Jesus
removed his pack from his shoulders and set it that aside.
Without a word. He opened his bag and pulled out
several long strands of leather.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Rabbi, are you all right? Did you find what you
were hoping to find?
Speaker 4 (12:16):
I found exactly what I expected. Now I can't say
it's what I was hoping for.
Speaker 6 (12:21):
Perhaps we can help you. Look what is it that
you need.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
My dear Simon, always looking to make a difference that
would be of great use to you in the future.
As for now, what I'm looking for can't be bought.
What bartered for.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
The disciples each carried a puzzled look on their faces.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
I'm not sure we understand if you haven't come to
purchase anything. Why do we leave the markets to come
to the shops at the temple?
Speaker 4 (12:49):
You will quickly see. I am always about my father's business.
And today there's a lesson he wants me to teach.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
Here in the courts of the gentiles.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Oh, yes, yes, especially here.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, but his eyes
never left the cords delicately laid upon his lap. His
fingers worked swiftly as he braided each one together. Though
his hands had been calloused over the years as a carpenter,
they moved with precision down the length of the strands.
(13:25):
He thought back to the days of working in the
desert heat with his earthly father. Though Joseph may not
have been a relative by blood, he would always be
family in Jesus' eyes. Memories of their time together flooded
back as Jesus recalled the life lessons. Joseph often hid
(13:45):
behind his words as he taught Jesus their family craft.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
Abbah, I can't get the curve on this yoke right.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
The knife keeps slipping.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Let me see, my son, Ah, here's the problem. Your
knife has become dull. He've been working hard, but sheer
force will never make the wood obey. Remember, Jesus, if
we take the time to prepare our tools, the wood
can't help but.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Obey jesus mind turned to his heavenly father, and though
no words came from his mouth between his responses to
the disciples, they noticed his mouth seemed to continue moving,
as though whispering to himself. As he finished his work,
(14:33):
Jesus slowly rose to his feet and lifted his eyes
to the heavens, continuing to mouth his silent prayer to
the father above. As a quiet amen left his lips,
his attention shifted to the merchants surrounding them. Before the
(14:54):
disciples realized what was happening, they heard a loud crack
like lightning piercing through the open courtyard, followed by a
thunderous echo. All those near by quickly darted their eyes
to the man who had made the sound with his
newly crafted whip. Jesus made his way determinedly to the
(15:16):
merchants selling cows and sheep. One of them watched him, nervously,
shielding his bag of coins from harm.
Speaker 7 (15:25):
Shalloam, young man, may I help you find something to day?
We have the best animals in all of Jerusalem. A cows,
his sheep, and dos spotless and perfect for sacrificing it.
Do you have the right currency?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Your animals are quite nice, but the cleansing that the
Father requires to day is not one of sacrifice.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
As the merchant tried to process what Jesus meant, another
loud crack resounded from the end of jesus whip, this
time directed at the cows and sheep surrounding the table.
The animal stirred and began ramming against their cages. The
wood began to splinter, and hinges began to loose.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
Hey, my animals, what do you think you're doing?
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Without hesitation, Jesus began to drive the creatures from the courtyard,
commanding those selling doves to remove them. As he moved
with purpose throughout the courtyard, he began to flip the
money changer's tables, taking the coins they had amassed and
scattering them across the ground. Under different circumstances, people would
(16:34):
have flocked to gather the treasure from the stones underfoot,
but now money seemed to be the last thing on
anyone's mind.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
All of this, get it out of here. You have
defiled this holy place for your own gain. When my
father has allowed the gentiles to pray, you have robbed
them in more ways than one. Stop turning my father's.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
House into a mark.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
The words rolled out of Jesus's mouth with a burning passion.
Yet despite the intensity of his actions, Jesus never seemed
to lose control. Each move was calculated and never posed
any harm to the people around him. As the disciples
watched silently, jesus declaration of his father's house caused them
(17:26):
to recall David's words in the Psalms, zeal for your
house will consume me. There was no doubt that Jesus
was consumed with zeal for his father's house. Many of
the Jewish temple leaders and concerned bystanders had begun to
gather throughout the commotion. Their fear of who they believed
(17:50):
to be a madman quickly turned to anger.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
And who are you to do such things and demand
us to go? What sign can you show us to groove?
You have the authority to do all this.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
At these words, Jesus' heart seemed to be consumed with
an unquenchable fire.
Speaker 4 (18:10):
Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in
three days three days.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
It has taken forty six years to build this temple.
You're to say that if it was destroyed, you could
raise it in three days.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Ha ha.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
He is a madman, or maybe you're worse than a madman.
Are you threatening this temple?
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Many of the others who had collected in the courtyard
center jeered along. This was only the beginning of the
reaction Jesus would face over the next three years. But
he wasn't here to find the accolades of man and
wouldn't be moved by their mockings. Jesus knew why he
had come. The temple he spoke of wasn't a grandiose
(18:59):
life Amestone's structure that watched over their proceedings. He was
speaking of his own body, which would eventually be consumed
by these same sorts of men for the displays of
zeal seen in moments like this. It wouldn't be until
after jesus Resurrection that the disciples would think back on
(19:23):
this day and realize the true nature of the things
that Jesus spoke. As the crowds continued to rile themselves up,
the disciples formed a tight line behind Jesus.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Rabbi now seems like a good time to make our escape,
if we're going to be able to make one at all.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
While I'm not known to always agree with my brother,
I do think he makes an excellent point.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Jesus glanced at each of his disciples. He could sense
the fear that sat just behind their eyes. Jesus had
spent the first thirty years of his life devoted to
patient obedience to the Father, readying himself for public ministry
and the dangers that came along with it. But he
(20:13):
knew that for the disciples, this new life and all
that came along with it was a mystery, one that
none of them could have fathomed just a few months ago.
Jesus lifted his face and took in the people swarming
around him. Word had quickly spread through the temple courtyards,
(20:35):
and now everyone wanted to make their way closer, hoping
to see the man bold enough to drive the merchants
and money changers out. His heart broke as he sensed
their desire for a spectacle. Jesus had cleansed his father's
house to make way for genuine worship, but all they
(20:56):
wanted now was to witness a show. Come friends, It
appears we've done all we can for today. To stay
would only undo the work my father is doing. Unsure
of what exactly Jesus meant, the disciples gladly agreed with
their teacher. Finding their way through a gap in the
(21:17):
crowd behind them, the men slipped out of the courtyards
and found the peace of anonymity along the busy streets.
The jovial sounds of pilgrims making friends with the local
population were a welcome sound that distracted the disciples from
what had just happened. But the same couldn't be said
(21:38):
were Jesus. As the group made their way to the
city's heart, he replayed the day's events over in his head.
Over the next few days, Jesus began to perform signs
among the people. It wasn't long before word of his
miraculous works made its way through the city, and people
(22:01):
began to believe in his name. But Jesus knew their
faith was thin, as they came for the spectacular more
than the spiritual. Luckily for him, he didn't need their testimony.
The affirmations of his father in heaven was all that
(22:24):
he needed to stay the course of his earthly mission.
Speaker 6 (22:32):
Now, before we get into the details, let's set the scene.
The Passover was at hand, and that meant Jerusalem was bustling.
People from all over were coming to celebrate. Imagine the
city overflowing with excitement, the streets packed with pilgrims, and
the temple courts crowded with vendors selling oxen, sheep and doves.
(22:52):
And then, of course there were the money changers doing
brisk business converting foreign currency into this special temple. But
something about this scene doesn't sent right with Jesus. He
sees more than just a busy marketplace. He sees barriers,
barriers that are keeping people, especially the poor and the gentiles,
(23:14):
from accessing God. You see, the outer courts of the
temple were the only place where gentiles could come and pray,
But instead of finding a quiet place to seek God,
they found a noisy marketplace. The sellers and money changers
had turned this holy space into something more like a
bizarre where prophet was prioritized over prayer. So what does
(23:38):
Jesus do. He makes a whip of chords. And let's
pause here for a moment. This wasn't a snap decision
or a moment of uncontrolled anger. Jesus took the time
to make that whip. He was deliberate, he was intentional,
He knew exactly what he was doing. Then, with authority
and zeal, he drove them all out, the sellers, the animals,
(24:01):
the money changers. He flipped their tables and scattered their coins,
And in doing so, Jesus is making a bold statement.
God's house is meant to be a place of worship
and not a place of profit. Jesus came to knock
down barriers between God and his people. The religious leaders
had set up a system that made it difficult for
(24:23):
the poor and the outsiders to worship, but Jesus wasn't
going to stand by and let that happen. His actions
that day were a vivid demonstration of his passion for pure,
unadulterated worship, worship that's accessible to everyone, not just to
those who could afford it. And here's where it gets
personal for us. Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, he
(24:46):
wants to cleanse our hearts. Just as he drove out
the money changers and flipped the tables, he wants to
drive out the sin and the shame that keeps us
separated from the Father. He wants to remove every barrier
that stands between us and a genuine relationship with him.
Think about it, What are the tables in your life
that need flipping. What's crowding out your ability to truly
(25:10):
connect with God. Maybe it's busyness, distractions, or sin that
you're holding on to. Whatever it is, Jesus is ready
to step in and clear it out, not in a
way that condemns, but in a way that restores and renews.
The religious leaders, after seeing what Jesus did, demanded a sign.
(25:32):
They wanted proof of his authority. But the greatest sign
Jesus gave was yet to come. He spoke of destroying
the temple and raising it up in three days. He
wasn't talking about the physical temple. He was talking about
his body. He knew that these same leaders would try
to destroy him, but he also knew that death would
(25:53):
not have the final word. Jesus was pointing to his resurrection,
the ultimate victory over sin and death, the ultimate removal
of every barrier between us and God. And here's the
good news. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, he
offers us new life, freedom from the things that once
held us back. He's inviting us into a relationship where
(26:17):
there's no more shame, no more fear, no more barriers,
just grace, love, and the freedom to worship Him with
our whole hearts. So as we leave today, let's allow
Jesus to cleanse the temple of our hearts. Let's invite
him to drive out anything that's keeping us from fully
(26:39):
experiencing his love and his grace. And let's remember that
Jesus is always ready to knock down the barriers, to
flip the tables, and to make a way for us
to draw near to God.
The zeal for your house consumes me. The reproaches of
those who reproach you have fallen on me Psalm sixty
nine nine. Heavenly Father, we ask that you ignite within
us a passion for the things that matter to you.
(00:20):
Consume us with a zeal for your house, for your word,
and for your people. Let our hearts be aligned with
your desires, so we may live lives that honor and
glorify you. Cleanse our hearts from greed and self gratification.
(00:42):
Teach us to seek generosity and humility in all our actions.
May we be ever mindful of the needs of others
and willing to share the abundance you have given us.
Help us to turn away from selfish desire and instead
cultivate a spirit of selflessness and compassion. Grant us the
(01:08):
strength to act according to your will, to stand firm
in our faith even when faced with opposition. Empower us
to be a force for good in our families, in
our communities, and in the world. May our lives be
a testament to your grace and love. In Jesus' name,
(01:33):
we pray, Amen, Thank you for praying with me today.
You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for an
intense story of Christ's righteous anger and pursuit of justice.
If you have the time, go ahead and follow this
(01:53):
podcast on whatever platform you're listening on. Spring was swiftly
approaching along with the Passover feast. The air was cool
and crisp as a gentle breeze danced across the grassy hills,
giving the appearance of a rippling golden sea delicately covering
(02:15):
the landscape. In the distance, one could hear the chatter
of birds in the air and the rustling of animals
scurrying to find food. Through this magnificent canvas of creation
walked Jesus with several of his disciples.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Rabbi, perhaps we should stop for a minute to catch
our breash.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
I'm sure we could all use a brake.
Speaker 1 (02:39):
Nathaniel, sensing the other disciples were thinking the same thing,
looked to each one of them for support in his suggestion.
Over the last few days of their journey to Jerusalem,
it felt like there was a certain determination in Jesus's step. Sure,
they were all looking forward to their annual pilgrimage to
(02:59):
the Holy City to celebrate the Holy Day, but something
in their teacher's pace gave them the sense that he
had other things on his mind.
Speaker 4 (03:10):
My friends, there was much to do in Jerusalem.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
My legs agreeve with Nazanio.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
I suppose we would be remiss to not stop and
take a moment to enjoy my father's creation. Come take
a seat with me.
Speaker 1 (03:24):
The disciples found their own spots around Jesus and began
to take gentle SIPs from their water skins. Though their
destination wasn't much farther, their parched mouths and sore feet
relished this small but sweet moment of reprieve. As the
sun shone overhead, they began to reminisce about their time
(03:47):
together at the wedding in Cana. It was here that
Jesus performed his first miracle, allowing only a small number
of people to witness this display of from above. The
disciples were still piecing together their thoughts on just who
(04:07):
Jesus was, but there was no doubt in their minds
that the man who sat before them was the long
awaited Messiah who had come to rescue ad anize people.
Speaker 5 (04:24):
Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing.
It's not your feet, it's your shoes. This summer switched
to Gediphi shoes with patentive Verso shock technology, which aligns
your body, provides superior shock absorption and trampoline like energy return.
Gediphi offers souls and styles for any activity, plus two
(04:46):
free orthotics. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or
always on the go, Gediphi shoes deliver the comfort and
versatility your fee grave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello
to unparalleled supp for it this summer. Enjoy a special
summer offer. Visit gediphi dot com and get twenty dollars
off your order of one hundred dollars or more with
(05:09):
code pray. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with Gediphi shoes.
Visit g d e f y dot com today.
Speaker 6 (05:24):
Jesus is passionate about people accessing God. He's zealous for
unity and went to great lengths to win it back
for us. No greed, corruption or shame will keep us
from our creator. This is the Jesus podcast I'm Ethan
with pray dot Com. Today is day two of our
miniseries on Jesus, disrupting the status quo and showing us
(05:47):
a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus's teachings
and his passion, and we will learn about God's heart
for people and for his kingdom. Today, we're going to
take a walk with Jesus to the temple courts in Jerusalem,
where something unexpected is about to happen. This story from
John chapter two, verses thirteen through twenty two is one
(06:10):
of those moments in Jesus's ministry that makes us sit
up and take notice. It's the day when Jesus flips tables,
drives out money, changes, and declares, do not make my
father's house a house of merchandise.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
With the Holy Day drawing near, Jerusalem was bursting at
the seams. Thus masses of pilgrims proudly and joyfully made
their way to give homage to God. Each year, Jewish
men in the region left their homes, many bringing their families,
and gathered together in Jerusalem, thus one people to celebrate
(06:49):
God's deliverance of their people from slavery. In Egypt, the
Passover was a reminder of God's merciful favor for them,
as the Death Angel passed over their houses that had
been marked with the blood of sacrificial lambs, and over
a thousand years later, Jews continued to worship their God
(07:12):
for his salvation. As Jesus and the disciples approached the
city gates, they could hear the murmuring of the crowded
streets in the distance.
Speaker 3 (07:23):
Simon, do you remember your first pilgrimage with me in Oppa?
I'll never forget the look on that shopkeeper's face when
they found you hiding in the wagon.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
You know you don't have to tell that story every year, right,
I know.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
But it's such a good one. Ah.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
I love a good story come and to tell. Of course,
that is only if Peter has stick enough skin for it.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Jesus knew Simon's heart, and over the next few years
he would chip away at his pride. This seemed like
the perfect place to start. Andrew laid the embarrassing story
of Simon's run in with a shopkeeper, a priest, and
a ripe apple that somehow found its way into Peter's pocket.
(08:11):
As the group continued talking and laughing, they approached the
outer gates of the city, The impeccable stones rose from
the ground like a fortress. The great city of Zion
was a beacon of hope to the Jews, a constant
reminder of God's faithfulness and a testament to his people's
(08:34):
endurance through years of hardship. As thousands of Jews entered
through the gates, the stones could do little to hide
the bustling life within pilgrioms, and local citizens alike greeted
one another with smiles. Once inside the walls, Jesus and
(08:54):
the disciples walked along the dusty street, lined with little
shops set under long, narrow tents. Despite the multitude of
voices competing with one another, if one listened closely, they
could hear a symphony that played the sounds of centuries
worth of shared culture. Though the Jews had been scattered
(09:19):
over the course of many generations, they always found great
pride in being one people as God's children. As the
Disciples descended the crowded street, they realized they had lost
sight of Jesus.
Speaker 6 (09:37):
I see him over there.
Speaker 7 (09:39):
Stay close, or we'll be sure to lose each other
before we could get to him.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
As they approached Jesus, they found him in a pleasant
conversation with a small woman who stood at her shop
on a quieter part of the street selling leather goods.
As the disciples approached him, he calmly turned his attention
towards them, he slipped something into his back.
Speaker 4 (10:02):
Shaloam, shaloam. My apologies for wandering off, But my friend
here says the best shops can be found at the temple.
Perhaps we should go and see what she's talking about.
Speaker 1 (10:12):
Confused, the disciples gave a quick glance to one another,
and the Son of Man really made shopping his top
priority for the passover. But now wasn't the time for questioning.
Now was the time for listening and observing. Life was
quickly changing for the disciples of Galilee's newest rabbi, and
(10:36):
they would do their best to follow in his footsteps.
The temple stood in the easternmost part of the city.
Set upon the Temple Mount, it rose like a golden monolith,
directing one's gaze up to the heavens. Surrounded by several
courtyards filled with even more people, the temple's golden facade
(11:00):
shimmered as the sun's rays fell. The disciples eyes darted
from one place to the next, taking in the spectacles
all around them like little children. Their mouths stood slightly
agape as they strode through the vast courtyard. However, the
look on jesus face was markedly different. As Jesus took
(11:25):
in the scene around him, there was no hiding his disappointment.
Whenever one looked, they could find merchants selling sacrificial animals,
and money changers with purses full of Roman coins from
Jewish men who needed to convert their money to temple
currency to pay the temple tax. It was at this
(11:50):
point that the disciples peeled their eyes away from the
crowds and noticed Jesus sitting on some stone steps. Jesus
removed his pack from his shoulders and set it that aside.
Without a word. He opened his bag and pulled out
several long strands of leather.
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Rabbi, are you all right? Did you find what you
were hoping to find?
Speaker 4 (12:16):
I found exactly what I expected. Now I can't say
it's what I was hoping for.
Speaker 6 (12:21):
Perhaps we can help you. Look what is it that
you need.
Speaker 4 (12:26):
My dear Simon, always looking to make a difference that
would be of great use to you in the future.
As for now, what I'm looking for can't be bought.
What bartered for.
Speaker 1 (12:37):
The disciples each carried a puzzled look on their faces.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
I'm not sure we understand if you haven't come to
purchase anything. Why do we leave the markets to come
to the shops at the temple?
Speaker 4 (12:49):
You will quickly see. I am always about my father's business.
And today there's a lesson he wants me to teach.
Speaker 6 (12:56):
Here in the courts of the gentiles.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Oh, yes, yes, especially here.
Speaker 1 (13:02):
Jesus spoke these words to the disciples, but his eyes
never left the cords delicately laid upon his lap. His
fingers worked swiftly as he braided each one together. Though
his hands had been calloused over the years as a carpenter,
they moved with precision down the length of the strands.
(13:25):
He thought back to the days of working in the
desert heat with his earthly father. Though Joseph may not
have been a relative by blood, he would always be
family in Jesus' eyes. Memories of their time together flooded
back as Jesus recalled the life lessons. Joseph often hid
(13:45):
behind his words as he taught Jesus their family craft.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
Abbah, I can't get the curve on this yoke right.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
The knife keeps slipping.
Speaker 6 (13:56):
Let me see, my son, Ah, here's the problem. Your
knife has become dull. He've been working hard, but sheer
force will never make the wood obey. Remember, Jesus, if
we take the time to prepare our tools, the wood
can't help but.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Obey jesus mind turned to his heavenly father, and though
no words came from his mouth between his responses to
the disciples, they noticed his mouth seemed to continue moving,
as though whispering to himself. As he finished his work,
(14:33):
Jesus slowly rose to his feet and lifted his eyes
to the heavens, continuing to mouth his silent prayer to
the father above. As a quiet amen left his lips,
his attention shifted to the merchants surrounding them. Before the
(14:54):
disciples realized what was happening, they heard a loud crack
like lightning piercing through the open courtyard, followed by a
thunderous echo. All those near by quickly darted their eyes
to the man who had made the sound with his
newly crafted whip. Jesus made his way determinedly to the
(15:16):
merchants selling cows and sheep. One of them watched him, nervously,
shielding his bag of coins from harm.
Speaker 7 (15:25):
Shalloam, young man, may I help you find something to day?
We have the best animals in all of Jerusalem. A cows,
his sheep, and dos spotless and perfect for sacrificing it.
Do you have the right currency?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
Your animals are quite nice, but the cleansing that the
Father requires to day is not one of sacrifice.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
As the merchant tried to process what Jesus meant, another
loud crack resounded from the end of jesus whip, this
time directed at the cows and sheep surrounding the table.
The animal stirred and began ramming against their cages. The
wood began to splinter, and hinges began to loose.
Speaker 6 (16:08):
Hey, my animals, what do you think you're doing?
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Without hesitation, Jesus began to drive the creatures from the courtyard,
commanding those selling doves to remove them. As he moved
with purpose throughout the courtyard, he began to flip the
money changer's tables, taking the coins they had amassed and
scattering them across the ground. Under different circumstances, people would
(16:34):
have flocked to gather the treasure from the stones underfoot,
but now money seemed to be the last thing on
anyone's mind.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
All of this, get it out of here. You have
defiled this holy place for your own gain. When my
father has allowed the gentiles to pray, you have robbed
them in more ways than one. Stop turning my father's.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
House into a mark.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
The words rolled out of Jesus's mouth with a burning passion.
Yet despite the intensity of his actions, Jesus never seemed
to lose control. Each move was calculated and never posed
any harm to the people around him. As the disciples
watched silently, jesus declaration of his father's house caused them
(17:26):
to recall David's words in the Psalms, zeal for your
house will consume me. There was no doubt that Jesus
was consumed with zeal for his father's house. Many of
the Jewish temple leaders and concerned bystanders had begun to
gather throughout the commotion. Their fear of who they believed
(17:50):
to be a madman quickly turned to anger.
Speaker 2 (17:54):
And who are you to do such things and demand
us to go? What sign can you show us to groove?
You have the authority to do all this.
Speaker 1 (18:03):
At these words, Jesus' heart seemed to be consumed with
an unquenchable fire.
Speaker 4 (18:10):
Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in
three days three days.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
It has taken forty six years to build this temple.
You're to say that if it was destroyed, you could
raise it in three days.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Ha ha.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
He is a madman, or maybe you're worse than a madman.
Are you threatening this temple?
Speaker 1 (18:35):
Many of the others who had collected in the courtyard
center jeered along. This was only the beginning of the
reaction Jesus would face over the next three years. But
he wasn't here to find the accolades of man and
wouldn't be moved by their mockings. Jesus knew why he
had come. The temple he spoke of wasn't a grandiose
(18:59):
life Amestone's structure that watched over their proceedings. He was
speaking of his own body, which would eventually be consumed
by these same sorts of men for the displays of
zeal seen in moments like this. It wouldn't be until
after jesus Resurrection that the disciples would think back on
(19:23):
this day and realize the true nature of the things
that Jesus spoke. As the crowds continued to rile themselves up,
the disciples formed a tight line behind Jesus.
Speaker 2 (19:40):
Rabbi now seems like a good time to make our escape,
if we're going to be able to make one at all.
Speaker 3 (19:47):
While I'm not known to always agree with my brother,
I do think he makes an excellent point.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Jesus glanced at each of his disciples. He could sense
the fear that sat just behind their eyes. Jesus had
spent the first thirty years of his life devoted to
patient obedience to the Father, readying himself for public ministry
and the dangers that came along with it. But he
(20:13):
knew that for the disciples, this new life and all
that came along with it was a mystery, one that
none of them could have fathomed just a few months ago.
Jesus lifted his face and took in the people swarming
around him. Word had quickly spread through the temple courtyards,
(20:35):
and now everyone wanted to make their way closer, hoping
to see the man bold enough to drive the merchants
and money changers out. His heart broke as he sensed
their desire for a spectacle. Jesus had cleansed his father's
house to make way for genuine worship, but all they
(20:56):
wanted now was to witness a show. Come friends, It
appears we've done all we can for today. To stay
would only undo the work my father is doing. Unsure
of what exactly Jesus meant, the disciples gladly agreed with
their teacher. Finding their way through a gap in the
(21:17):
crowd behind them, the men slipped out of the courtyards
and found the peace of anonymity along the busy streets.
The jovial sounds of pilgrims making friends with the local
population were a welcome sound that distracted the disciples from
what had just happened. But the same couldn't be said
(21:38):
were Jesus. As the group made their way to the
city's heart, he replayed the day's events over in his head.
Over the next few days, Jesus began to perform signs
among the people. It wasn't long before word of his
miraculous works made its way through the city, and people
(22:01):
began to believe in his name. But Jesus knew their
faith was thin, as they came for the spectacular more
than the spiritual. Luckily for him, he didn't need their testimony.
The affirmations of his father in heaven was all that
(22:24):
he needed to stay the course of his earthly mission.
Speaker 6 (22:32):
Now, before we get into the details, let's set the scene.
The Passover was at hand, and that meant Jerusalem was bustling.
People from all over were coming to celebrate. Imagine the
city overflowing with excitement, the streets packed with pilgrims, and
the temple courts crowded with vendors selling oxen, sheep and doves.
(22:52):
And then, of course there were the money changers doing
brisk business converting foreign currency into this special temple. But
something about this scene doesn't sent right with Jesus. He
sees more than just a busy marketplace. He sees barriers,
barriers that are keeping people, especially the poor and the gentiles,
(23:14):
from accessing God. You see, the outer courts of the
temple were the only place where gentiles could come and pray,
But instead of finding a quiet place to seek God,
they found a noisy marketplace. The sellers and money changers
had turned this holy space into something more like a
bizarre where prophet was prioritized over prayer. So what does
(23:38):
Jesus do. He makes a whip of chords. And let's
pause here for a moment. This wasn't a snap decision
or a moment of uncontrolled anger. Jesus took the time
to make that whip. He was deliberate, he was intentional,
He knew exactly what he was doing. Then, with authority
and zeal, he drove them all out, the sellers, the animals,
(24:01):
the money changers. He flipped their tables and scattered their coins,
And in doing so, Jesus is making a bold statement.
God's house is meant to be a place of worship
and not a place of profit. Jesus came to knock
down barriers between God and his people. The religious leaders
had set up a system that made it difficult for
(24:23):
the poor and the outsiders to worship, but Jesus wasn't
going to stand by and let that happen. His actions
that day were a vivid demonstration of his passion for pure,
unadulterated worship, worship that's accessible to everyone, not just to
those who could afford it. And here's where it gets
personal for us. Just as Jesus cleansed the temple, he
(24:46):
wants to cleanse our hearts. Just as he drove out
the money changers and flipped the tables, he wants to
drive out the sin and the shame that keeps us
separated from the Father. He wants to remove every barrier
that stands between us and a genuine relationship with him.
Think about it, What are the tables in your life
that need flipping. What's crowding out your ability to truly
(25:10):
connect with God. Maybe it's busyness, distractions, or sin that
you're holding on to. Whatever it is, Jesus is ready
to step in and clear it out, not in a
way that condemns, but in a way that restores and renews.
The religious leaders, after seeing what Jesus did, demanded a sign.
(25:32):
They wanted proof of his authority. But the greatest sign
Jesus gave was yet to come. He spoke of destroying
the temple and raising it up in three days. He
wasn't talking about the physical temple. He was talking about
his body. He knew that these same leaders would try
to destroy him, but he also knew that death would
(25:53):
not have the final word. Jesus was pointing to his resurrection,
the ultimate victory over sin and death, the ultimate removal
of every barrier between us and God. And here's the
good news. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, he
offers us new life, freedom from the things that once
held us back. He's inviting us into a relationship where
(26:17):
there's no more shame, no more fear, no more barriers,
just grace, love, and the freedom to worship Him with
our whole hearts. So as we leave today, let's allow
Jesus to cleanse the temple of our hearts. Let's invite
him to drive out anything that's keeping us from fully
(26:39):
experiencing his love and his grace. And let's remember that
Jesus is always ready to knock down the barriers, to
flip the tables, and to make a way for us
to draw near to God.
Host
Zak Shellabarger
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