John 2:12-25 Revealing His Zeal And His Knowledge

In these verses, John shows us Jesus' zeal and His knowledge, my commentary says.  He revealed His zeal for God by cleansing the temple.  It's important to note that He did not destroy anyone's property.  He didn't even release the pigeons being sold -- He told the sellers to get them out of the temple.

"The condition of the temple was a vivid indication of the spiritual condition of the nation.  Their religion was a dull routine, presided over by worldly minded men whose main desire was to exercise authority and get rich ... the glory had departed the temple."

"He also revealed His zeal by giving His life" -- the only sign He said He would give them to prove His authority.

My commentary mentions that Herod's temple was started in 20 BC and not completed until 64 AD, which would have been years after Christ's death on the cross, but only six years before it would be destroyed by the Romans, so it was incomplete when Jesus walked through it.

My commentary also mentioned how "John included a number of vivid pictures of the death of the Savior.  First, the slaying of the Lamb in 1:29 as a substitute for sinners; second, the destroying of the temple in 2:19, suggesting a violent death that would end in glorious resurrection; third, the serpent lifted up in 3:14, the Savior made sin for us; and finally, the planting of the seed in 12:20-25, teaching us that His death would produce fruit to the glory of God."

I really liked this:  "When Jesus suggested that their precious building would be destroyed, their angry reaction was predictable.  After all, if His body is the temple, then the Jewish temple would be needed no more.  In this cryptic statement, our Lord actually predicted the end of the Jewish religious system."

Wow!  I love these fresh insights, Father.  Show me more!

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford