The Gospel of John 2:13-16 When God Says...I Say, AMEN!

When God Says …

“And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 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.” (John 2:13-16 KJV)

This is such a well timed trip by the Lord Jesus to Jerusalem for the Jews' Passover celebration. This is the remembrance of the first Passover in Egypt, when the first born of the Israelites were protected by the shed blood of the lamb which were smeared on their door frames as a sign for the angel of death to pass on. During that first Passover, all the first born of Egypt from the Pharaoh's child to those who were in the dungeon, as well as, their live stocks, were killed (Exodus 12:29-30). It was a cast and shadow that points to the saving blood of the Lamb of God in the person of Christ Jesus. This very disappointing market-like scene, trading animal sacrifices, of the religious enterprise in the temple is what met Him. It is just like the religious business institutions we are witnessing in this contemporary time we are in, who defiled God's name and holy Words.

Hence, the Lord Jesus had to institute disciplinary measures to cleanup the old covenant temple, which is an allegory to the true temple of God. Under God's covenant of grace in Christ Jesus, our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:19). Because God loves us all, sinner or saint, especially His fellow Israelites who defiled the temple with religion, the Lord had to institute serious disciplinary action.

On the same manner, where needed, as His children by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, God chastises us too. His Words remind, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”” (Hebrews 12:5-6 ESV)

And I say, AMEN!

Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries

(When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.)

Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
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Ocala, FL 34477

Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.