Friday 19 June 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (v. 22)
Background
This story is quite a gear change from what went before - a miracle to save a wedding reception (see yesterday's reflection). Some Christians find Jesus being angry a difficult concept and look for ways to explain it away.
However, knowing that Jesus has come to be the embodiment of God’s new kingdom on earth – he is the pioneer of God’s justice and freedom – helps us to understand his rage at seeing part of the Temple turned into a money-making scam for the authorities.
Pilgrims to the Temple, and there would have been hundreds at Passover time, could only use the official temple coinage. It meant if you had come from a foreign country, you had to exchange your currency. What began as a legitimate service had become corrupted with inflated exchange rates, which meant poor pilgrims were often the worst hit.
This all happened in the Court of the Gentiles, a space intended for prayer by all nations, which helps us understand Jesus’ otherwise enigmatic outburst as recorded by Matthew (Matthew 21:13) and Mark (Mark 11:17). He berated the money-changers, referring to two ancient Jewish prophets: It is written that the Lord said, "For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." (Isaiah 56:7) And "Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight?" (Jeremiah 7:11)
As John describes it, the outburst leads to a conversation at cross-purposes. The Jewish leaders (usually just called ‘the Jews’ in John's Gospel) think Jesus is suggesting the Temple could be destroyed, while in fact he’s pointing to himself as true embodiment of the presence of God in the world.
The question everyone is left with is what’s at the centre – Jesus or the Temple, and how will people know? Well, the question was no sooner asked than it’s answered in the final verse of our passage: "After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken." (v. 22)
To Ponder:
- When do our traditions move from being a favoured way of doing things to an absolute requirement? How dangerous is that?
- What can we take from today’s lesson to help us focus on Jesus as Immanuel: 'God with us'?
Prayer
God of our worship, help us stay focused on the life-changing presence of Jesus. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gareth Hill
Gareth is a supernumerary minister in the Gwent Hills and Vales Circuit in South Wales. He is a former national Head of Mission & Advocacy in the Connexional Team and was previously a newspaper editor and lecturer in journalism. Gareth preaches regularly and publishes a weekly sermon online. He is a published hymnwriter and retains a strong interest in pioneer ministry after founding the Tubestation Surf Church in Polzeath, Cornwall.