Friday 23 June 2023

Background

The clearing of the Temple appears in all four gospels; however, the writer of John's Gospel is the only one who places the story near the beginning of Jesus' ministry introducing us to the purifying presence of God in Christ at the Temple.

The mention of the nearness of Passover frames the passage. Passover is the major Jewish festival that continues to this day. it remembers the story of the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Money-changers were in the Temple because the coins had images of Greek gods or Roman emperors, which were idolatrous for the Temple. The money was changed into an acceptable currency, with the changers taking a cut. The Temple money could then be used to pay the Temple tax or purchase animals for sacrifice.

Clearly according to Jesus the system was broken. It seems that the Temple courts were now full, and it was more like a market place not a place of prayer. Also according to a similar story it had become a ‘den of robbers’ (Mark 11:17) possibly indicating unjust practices were going on. Just as the people were freed from Egypt and the slavery of an unjust system that made them work making bricks without straw (Exodus 5), so Jesus is seen in righteous anger opposing the corrupt market abuse of the Temple space and championing freedom for people to worship.

There is a clear foreshadowing of Jesus' death and resurrection in Jesus' discussion of the rebuilding of the Temple in three days.The writer of John helpfully explains that Jesus is referring to his own body as the Temple. The Temple is the place of the presence of God and Jesus claims to be that place through his words. Jesus embodies the presence of God.

To Ponder:

• Where do you experience the presence of God?
• People still seek freedom and many become refugees in the process. This week is World Refugee Week. What can we learn from this reading about the connection between worship and seeking freedom and justice for all?

Prayer

God of justice, help us to delve deeply into worship that we may experience your heart for justice. We especially remember all seeking freedom and refuge this week. May we experience your freedom in Christ and do all that we can to enable others to have the freedom to worship, love and live in you. Amen.