Pentecost Season · The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica · Year B
John 2:13-22
Jesus Clears the Temple
November 9, 2027

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
Commentary on John 2:13-22 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis of the temple cleansing and the sign of Jesus' body.
John 2:13-22 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed, sermon shaped reading of Jesus as the true temple where God is met.
John 2: The First Sign and the Temple Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse evangelical commentary on the whole chapter.
John 2 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep gathering of quotations, word studies, and cross references worked verse by verse.
John 2:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries such as Barnes, Gill, and Ellicott on the passage in one place.
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic background, reflection questions, and activities for the feast's readings.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: John Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on John's Gospel, its signs, and its theology of the temple.
Gospel of John Overview (Ch. 1-12) BibleProject
An animated walk through the first half of John to place the temple sign.
John 2:13 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the passage.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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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