John 2:15-16 (KJV) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

Jesus and His disciples, as well as thousands of other Israelites, travelled several days to reach Jerusalem for the Passover. As they would ascend towards Jerusalem the beautiful Temple would come into view. The people would often sing Psalms as they travelled. They had expectation of music, singing, and worship of God at the Temple.

Once they got to the Temple they would pass through the outer court of the Gentiles. Because of the covetousness of the priests, this court had been turned into a place of merchandise. It must have been very noisy with the bartering and animals. There were other places in the city where business could be conducted. This court was not conducive to worship, nor to winning Gentiles over to faith in God. This was God’s Temple. Jesus wouldn’t allow this affront to God to continue.

We agree that the Temple needed cleansing, but how about our own temple? Does it need cleansing? Corporately, as a church, and individually, we are God’s Temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.



Let this be our prayer: Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Ron Cox - Director of HOPE Ministry