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John 2 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Jesus cleansed the temple twice. The first, recorded here in John 2, was early in His ministry. The second is recorded by the other gospel accounts during passion week.
Jews and proselytes from all over the region were flooding into Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. They were required to pay a half-shekel temple tax in the correct coinage so anyone coming from a different country would have to get their money converted.
There was also an animal sacrifice that needed to be offered. It used to be that the people would purchase their animals and exchange their money at a place outside the temple near the Mount of Olives. Bringing the currency exchange and the animals into the temple was undoubtedly more convenient, but was this the real reason for the move?
Technically speaking, the people traveling into Jerusalem were permitted to bring their own animals, however, it most likely would not get approved by the judges. This is the same tactic we see used at theme parks and professional sporting events where the food and drink prices inside are astronomical. It was just easier and more convenient to pay the high price to have a “pre-approved” animal. It was much the same with the money changers. There was a “fee” to have your coinage converted and the entire system was set up to promote deceit and abuse.
Furthermore, the businessmen set up their tables in the outer courts, which was the same place the Gentiles were permitted to worship. Can you imagine trying to worship in the midst of barnyard animals? The move had effectively turned a place of worship into the New York Stock Exchange.
Jesus wasn’t having it. Whip at His side, He got the sheep and oxen moving, and the people followed. Some today assume that the whip was an act of physical aggression, however, farmers know it takes force to get animals in gear. It’s clear from the text that Jesus was not trying to start a fight, but was only using the whip as any animal herder would.
Most interesting to me is the fact that the Pharisees do not question Jesus’ actions, but His authority. This is because Jesus uses the word “Father.”
He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!” 17 And His disciples remembered that it is written: Zeal for Your house will consume Me. 18 So the Jews replied to Him, “What sign of authority will You show us for doing these things?”
John 2:16-18 HCSB
The Jewish leaders have tunnel vision. It is fair to assume that at this point in Jesus’ ministry His statements are difficult to fully grasp. However, we see the difference between those who were open to His teaching and those who were afraid of losing their authority. The disciples (not revered as “experts” of the Scriptures like the Pharisees) remembered the prophecy. The religious leaders (knowing the Scriptures) suppressed the truth and focused on how such a statement would affect them personally.
“These Jewish leaders, on the other hand, seem able only to question. In contrast to the disciples they jump to conclusions; they cannot be silent and wait. So the opponents are left with their questions, while the disciples have a vague but substantial hint at the fact that Jesus’ action can be seen in the light of Scripture.”
IVP New Testament Commentary
It is applicable to ask ourselves, do we question or believe? When Jesus does things we don’t quite understand, do we take Him at face value and trust that He is in control, or, do we complain, argue, and question the motives of a good God?