OBJECTIVE:

• John 2:13-25

EXPLORE:

(These are different commentary notes that can be used to explain the context to our students. Feel free to use your own.)

Location

• The Second Temple in Jerusalem was a pivotal structure in Jewish history, serving as the focal point of religious and national life for centuries.
• It stood from 516 BCE to 70 CE, replacing the First Temple (which King Solomon built) destroyed by the Babylonians.
• Today, only the Western Wall (Kotel) remains as a physical remnant of this significant site.

Conversion then Cleansing

• John begins with the miracle of conversion: Jesus turning water into wine.
• He then records a work of cleansing: Jesus driving out corruption from the temple.
• This order is intentional: Jesus always works this way in His people—conversion first, then cleansing.
• Passover itself included the act of cleansing, as every speck of leaven (yeast) had to be removed from homes, symbolizing cleansing from sin.

Jesus’ Authority in the Temple

• During Passover, as many as 2.25 million Jews could be in Jerusalem (Barclay).
• Each had to pay the temple tax (about two days’ wages) in a special temple coin, creating a booming business for moneychangers.
• Some commentators believe Jesus used the whip only on animals, others say both men and animals—but in either case, the act was more about authority than violence.
• Jesus drove them out, poured out their money, and overturned tables.
• This happened in the Court of the Gentiles—the only place Gentiles could worship—which had been turned into a house of merchandise.

Superficial Belief and True Knowledge

• Many believed in Jesus when they saw the signs, but their faith was superficial—built on admiration of the spectacular rather than true trust.
• Because of this, Jesus did not commit Himself to them.
  • Morgan: “If belief is nothing more than admiration for the spectacular, it will create in multitudes applause; but the Son of God cannot commit Himself to that kind of faith.”
• Jesus knew what was in man: our sin, weakness, and flaws.
• Yet He also saw the image of God in fallen humanity—and still chose to love.

STUDENT RESOURCES:

• The Chosen - Season 5, the famous -The cleansing of the temple 1
• Gospel of John Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1) [3:00-4:37]

Second temple (before destruction) 

Second temple (after destruction by Roman army in 70 CE) 

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: 

Scripture (S)

• Read it together! What details stood out to you in this passage that you may not have noticed before? What context provided stood out to you as well?

Observation (O)

• Why do you think Jesus reacted so strongly to what was happening in the temple? What does this show us about His heart for God’s house?

Application (A)

• If our lives are like a temple for God’s Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), what “tables” might Jesus want to flip in our hearts or habits today?
• What’s one way you can show passion and respect for God’s presence in church, at school, or at home this week?

Prayer (P)

• Pray for God to give you a heart like Jesus, one that honors Him and removes anything that doesn’t belong.