Big Idea - Jesus’ actions in the Temple chasing out the money changers and those buying and selling are dramatic and may even seem a bit over the top. How are we to think about the intense actions and even anger that Jesus seems to display here? And more importantly what is the meaning of what Jesus does? He is clearly making a point by what He does, but what exactly is the point?
The possible options for what Jesus’ actions in the Temple mean are many and it is likely that what Jesus did had symbolic meaning at many levels. Jesus was showing that He had ultimate authority over the Temple because He was the Messiah. His intense reaction and even anger remind us that He is both a loving savior and a righteous judge, and His righteous response to sin is one of anger and judgment and His actions certainly point toward the coming judgment of Israel and the destruction of the Temple. But most importantly, Jesus' actions show that one greater than the Temple has come who will make the Temple and the entire sacrificial system obsolete. The Temple was to be a house of prayer, a place where all, even Gentiles and the lame (unclean) could seek and find God. More than that could enter into His presence. But, a man-made Temple, the blood of animals, and a sinful priesthood were inadequate to such a task. But, one greater than the Temple has come! By His blood, all who believe have access to the very throne of heaven and can find cleansing and healing there. That it is right for Jesus to receive the praise belonging to God alone is proof that He is the Messiah who does in fact replace the Temple.
