Pentecost Season · The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica · Year C
John 2:13-22
Jesus Clears the Temple
November 9, 2028
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 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Walks through the temple cleansing and Jesus's saying about the temple of his body.
John 2 Commentary Precept Austin
Detailed word-study commentary with cross references.
John 2 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries in one view.
John 2 - Robertson's Word Pictures StudyLight
Detailed word-level notes on the chapter.
Commentary on John 2:13-22 Working Preacher
The same temple-cleansing pericope, treated for its Lenten RCL date.
John 2:13-22 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Explores why John moves the temple cleansing to the start of Jesus's ministry.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
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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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