The Life and Ministry of Jesus

The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And 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. John 2:13–15

So when our Lord came to the temple, he found a religious circus! As his eyes scanned the great Court of the Gentiles, he saw sheep, oxen, fowl, and everything that goes with them. There was huckstering, bartering, and haggling over the weight of a coin. The commotion that must have been within the temple is almost beyond our imagination. It was certainly unacceptable to our Lord! The following verses only give a glimpse of the drama that occurred. Jesus reached down, picked up some cords, and quickly knotted them together. Then he began to cleanse the temple. One commentator said he must have appeared to be seven feet tall as his whip began to fly. Tables crashed and money jangled across the floor as our Lord drove the money changers, the sellers, and the inspectors out of the temple. The Lamb was a Lion! ¹

Personal Encouragement

Are you known for what you give to people or what you take from people?

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Romans 12:16

Conducting your business fairly, means your conduct is above reproach.

A Prayer

Lord, thank You for teaching me to honor others by treating them as I want to be treated.