Pentecost Season · Year A
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
November 9, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:17)
Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem, like each of his subsequent visits, takes place in connection with one of the Jewish feasts. He comes as a pilgrim, to keep the Passover Feast. In particular, the wording of verse 13 corresponds closely to that of 11:55, which signals the last Passover and the beginning of Jesus’ Passion. When the notice here in chapter 2 is followed by an account of the temple cleansing, an event associated in the other Gospels with the Passion week, it appears that this first Passover is indeed the last and that the events of Jesus’ Passion are about to start. The impression has been created because the Gospel writer has transferred the temple cleansing almost to the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. This is more likely than supposing that Jesus actually cleansed the temple twice.
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Commentary
John 2: The First Sign and the Temple Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole of John 2.
John 2 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of word studies and cross references worked verse by verse.
John 2:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries on the cleansing of the temple in one place.
Barnes' Notes on John 2 StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the whole chapter of John 2.
Commentary on John 2:13-22 Working Preacher
A preaching commentary on the temple cleansing and the temple of Christ's body.
John 2 Scripture Reflections Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Catholic homiletic reflections gathered on the cleansing of the temple.
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Explained Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre works through the feast readings and the new temple fulfilled in Christ.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the Gospel of John, its structure and themes.
Gospel of John Overview (John 1-12) BibleProject
An animated overview of the first half of John, where the temple scene falls.
John 2 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for the temple cleansing.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What happens when Jesus cleanses the temple?
Jesus drives out the money changers and, challenged for a sign, speaks of the temple of his body, which he will raise in three days.
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