Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Old Covenant temple in Jerusalem was a most holy site—the dwelling of God Himself on earth. God’s people, Israel, came here to worship, bring various sacrifices, and communicate with God in prayer (Isaiah 56:8). Wouldn’t you love to visit this temple? It was a fascinating place, full of exciting objects and powerful symbolism. It would be filled with people from far and wide and from all walks of life. Many of them brought along animals for the priest to sacrifice for various purposes, like a sin offering or thank offering, especially during Jewish holidays, like Passover. They could also buy an animal when they arrived in Jerusalem, or exchange money for the temple offering.

But when Jesus visited the temple one Passover, something dramatic happened:

“He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!’ Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.’ ” John 2:13–17.

The problem wasn’t that the merchants were selling animals for sacrifice, but that they were ripping off worshippers for their own gain—and doing it right there in the House of God! Instead of honoring God and His worship, they were corrupt and selfish, defying God’s good laws.

This event is usually referred to as when Jesus cleansed the temple, and it is very symbolic in the New Covenant. For true believers, the temple is no longer a physical building, but each one of us, no matter who we are, can be a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit—a living, breathing temple of God on two legs! (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). We must have the same reverence for this temple as Jesus had, not allowing impurity to disturb our relationship with God. We should always stay open to Him and live to His glory!

Read the Bible verses and watch the action up close when Jesus cleanses the temple in this video short.