Sunday, March 26, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
John 2:13–22

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. (NRSV)

Reflection

With eye-catching details like the “whip of cords” and a visceral anger we rarely see him display, it’s safe to say Jesus’ clearing of the temple is one of the more memorable passages from the Gospels. Interestingly, though, the Gospel of John situates this event near the start of Jesus’ ministry rather than towards the end like the other three — setting the stage for Jesus’ conflicts with the religious authorities along with one of the primary charges that will be leveled against him at his future trial. For John, this passage helps frame Jesus’ ministry: Jesus is unafraid to challenge authority, his teachings subvert expectations, and nothing is more important to him than truly adhering to what God wants of us.

Interpretations of this passage are typically limited to condemning any blurring of lines between religion and commerce, but surely all of us can recognize practices and habits in our own lives that might leave Jesus turning over tables in anger at how far we have gone astray. Part of the gift of this season of Lent, though, is the opportunity to reflect, to engage in self-honesty, and — ultimately — to repent. The word repent unfortunately tends to evoke images of people shouting at us on street corners, but the practice of opening one’s life up for renewal is both beautiful and hopeful. Repentance does not mean self-flagellation; it is the opportunity for true and lasting transformation deep within our lives. May it be so for each of us, this Lenten season and beyond.

Prayer

Holy God, in this season of reflection and self-honesty, help me recognize places in my life where I could better follow you and your ways — and give me the courage to open myself up to repentance and change. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Families

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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