A Cleansing is Needful

N.T.#696 "A Cleansing is Needful"

Dec. 17, 2025 

John 2-Part 3 

LET IT GLOW 

Don't we spend a lot of time keeping our body clean? From our head to our toes, fingernails to our feet. We do want to be presentable whenever we go out in public. But how much time do we spend focusing on our soul? In today's lesson, we read about Jesus cleaning up the Temple. He drove out those sinful, corrupting people from it. What does the Lord want to drive out in our life?

The faith of the disciples was strengthened because of their seeing Jesus turn water into wine at the weeding celebration. This was the first of many signs, as John calls it. Today we study about the time Jesus cleansed the temple. Is our temple (body) needing cleansed from sin?

Then Jesus, His 5 disciples, mother, and brethren went to Capernaum for a few days. this was the home of James and John. No mention of Joseph has been since Jesus was 12 years old. We assume he had died by this time. Mary may have been staying with Jesus' half-brothers. Every year Jesus and His family visited the Temple to celebrate festivals, observe sacrifices, and glorify God as faithful Jews did.

How faithful are you to attend services to celebrate Jesus' birth and resurrection, to worship each week?

LET IT GROW

The Jewish Law required every male Jew 12 years old and older to attend the Passover. So Jesus and His disciples went to Jerusalem.

In what condition did Jesus find the Temple? 

• People selling oxen, sheep, and doves in the court of the Gentiles. What a terrible scene. The Son of God. 
• The Sanhedrin permitted the selling of sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices. 
• Jesus found money changers allowed to change foreign currency into Jewish money there, also. (verse 14)
• Christ makes a whip and drives out both the animals and wicked merchants. 
• He overturns the tables and scatters the coins across the floor. (verse 15)
• Jesus tells those men to Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (verse 16)
• The Jews were shocked by the action of Jesus, His authority, and conduct. 
• The Jews wanted a sigh for all of this. 
• Jesus answered and said them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (verse 19) 

[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Jesus was referring to His body. The Jews were going to hand Him on a cross to die, but He was going to rise from the dead-The Son of God. Many believed in His name when they saw Jesus' miracles. (verse 23) They did not accept Jesus with saving faith, but as a powerful miracle worker. 

What does the Lord want to drive out in our life? Do we have sinful habits which need removed?

Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior yet?

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for dying for us sinners.

Thank You we come to God through faith in You.

Thank You for grace and mercy!

Help us keep our temple (body) free of sin.