I.             Introduction: Contextual Background

We’re continuing our study of Matthew and we’ll be in Matthew 21.  Let’s begin with a refresher of where we are after Ken’s lesson last week which lays the groundwork for today’s lesson. 

Just before the incident we are focusing on, in the previous chapters, we find Jesus making His way towards Jerusalem. This journey culminates in what we now celebrate as Palm Sunday—the triumphal entry. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He does so riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which says, ‘Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

The people of Jerusalem respond with great enthusiasm. They spread their cloaks and branches on the road, signaling royal treatment, and shout, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ (Matthew 21:9). This scene is not just a moment of celebration but also a declaration of Jesus’ kingship, stirring the city and drawing the attention of everyone, including the religious leaders.

The significance of Jesus choosing this particular time to enter Jerusalem cannot be overstated.  It is Passover, one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar, commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The city is filled with pilgrims from all over, swelling its population and heightening religious and nationalistic expectations.  It is against this backdrop of high anticipation and deep longing for deliverance that Jesus chooses to act.

But His actions are not what many might expect from a triumphant king. Instead of moving towards political power or asserting His authority in expected ways, Jesus heads to the temple—the very heart of Jewish religious life. There, He confronts not the Roman oppressors but the corruption within the temple itself. His cleansing of the temple is a powerful, symbolic act, challenging the status quo and calling for a return to true worship and spiritual integrity.

Discussion question:  What are some of the expectations you think the people of Jerusalem had for Jesus during Passover? How might these expectations have influenced their reactions to His actions in the temple?

Let’s keep in mind the charged atmosphere and the complex layers of expectation and hope that filled Jerusalem at that time. This will help us understand not only the nature of Jesus’ actions but also the varied reactions from the crowds and the temple authorities.

 Let’s start by reading the first set of scripture we’ll be studying today, Matthew 21:12-17:

And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.  And He said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.”

And those who were blind and those who limped came to Him in the temple area, and He healed them.  But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, and they said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?”  And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

II. Cleansing the Temple by Jesus

A. Historical and Cultural Background

The temple and its overall layout, particularly the areas such as the Court of the Gentiles, played a central role in Jewish worship.  The temple was not just a building; it was the very heart of Jewish religious and communal life, considered the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people.

The temple’s layout included several critical areas, with the Court of the Gentiles being particularly notable. This outermost court was the only place within the temple precincts where non-Jews were permitted to pray, serving as a designated area for all nations to connect with God. However, by Jesus’ time, this area had become crowded with merchants and money changers, which disrupted its intended purpose as a place of prayer and meditation.

The cleanliness and sanctity of this sacred space were upheld by the Levitical priests, who were tasked with regular cleansing duties vital for maintaining the purity required for proper worship. These responsibilities are detailed in scriptures, notably in Leviticus 16 and Numbers 19.

These duties encompassed daily tasks such as tending to the lampstand, burning incense, and replacing the showbread. Additionally, monthly and other periodic cleansings were conducted to address any ritual impurities that might have arisen. The most critical of these rituals occurred annually on the Day of Atonement, when the high priest performed elaborate ceremonies to atone for the nation’s sins and cleanse the temple of any accumulated defilement. This included the sprinkling of blood in the Most Holy Place, a ritual that underscored the seriousness with which the temple’s purity was regarded.

Discussion question: How does understanding the original purpose and the regular cleansing practices of the temple change your perception of Jesus’ actions in cleansing it?

Understanding these practices helps us grasp the gravity of what the temple represented to the Jewish people and underscores the severity of the corruption that Jesus confronted when He cleansed the temple. His actions were not just about physical cleanliness but were deeply symbolic, challenging the very heart of how the temple was being used.

B. Comparison of Cleansing Methods

In examining the temple activities, we see that the Levitical priests conducted rituals aimed at maintaining ritualistic purity. These ceremonies, commanded in the Torah, were detailed and symbolic, intended to cleanse the temple and its worshippers from physical impurities. Such purity was crucial for the temple’s sanctity and for the acceptable worship of God.

Contrastingly, Jesus’ approach in the temple, as recounted in Matthew 21, showcases a different method and intent. His actions were direct and forceful. When Jesus encountered merchants and money changers in the Court of the Gentiles—a place designated for prayer—he drove them out. This area had become a marketplace, not only disrupting the spiritual focus but also exploiting worshippers.

The forceful expulsion of these merchants by Jesus highlights a pivotal shift from external ritualistic purity to internal moral and spiritual reformation. His actions served as a reclamation of the temple’s purpose as a house of prayer for all nations, criticizing practices that had prioritized commerce over genuine piety.

By overturning tables and clearing the space, Jesus not only addressed physical misuse of the temple but also made a profound statement against the ethical and moral corruption that had permeated this sacred space. His cleansing act was a call to restore the temple to its intended spiritual state, emphasizing that true worship demands sincerity and righteousness, far beyond mere ritual compliance.

Discussion question: In what ways do Jesus’ actions in cleansing the temple challenge or fulfill the Levitical practices of purification? What does this say about His view of true purity?

C. Scriptural Echoes and Fulfillment

In Matthew 21, Jesus’ actions in the temple are not only significant in their immediacy but also deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing His authoritative stance on worship and righteousness. When Jesus expels the merchants and money changers, He quotes from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, invoking these scriptures to condemn the corrupt practices he witnessed.

Isaiah 56:7 states,

Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.  Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”

This prophecy emphasizes the temple’s role as a place of worship accessible to all—a focal point of communion with God, not just for the Jews but for all nations. Jesus’ citation of this verse serves as a critical reminder of the temple’s intended purpose, which had been overshadowed by commerce and profit.

Conversely, Jesus also references Jeremiah 7:11, which challenges the people’s misuse of the temple’s sanctity:

Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I Myself have seen it,” declares the Lord.

Here, Jeremiah is admonishing the people of Judah for their false reliance on the temple’s sanctity while continuing to engage in morally corrupt practices. By using this quote, Jesus directly criticizes the temple authorities and worshippers who behave as if the mere presence of the temple justifies their actions, despite their deviation from the values it stands for.

Discussion question: Why do you think Jesus chose these specific prophetic references (Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11) to justify His actions? How do they relate to His mission?

Jesus’ use of these quotations underlines the prophetic significance of His actions. He not only rebukes the immediate corruption but also points to a deeper, prophetic tradition criticizing the people’s failure to uphold the spiritual and ethical standards expected by God. His cleansing of the temple thus serves as a fulfillment and a vivid illustration of these prophecies, acting as a divine correction to restore the temple to its rightful status as a center of true, heartfelt worship.

In this moment, Jesus aligns His mission with the prophetic voices of the Old Testament, positioning Himself as a reformer who not only interprets but enforces the will of God, demanding a return to authenticity in religious practice and spiritual engagement.

III.  Authority Challenged and Affirmed

Let’s continue with Matthew 21:23-27.  I know we’re skipping the parable of the fig tree, but I believe Ken is going to pick those up next week.

When He entered the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”  But Jesus responded and said to them, “I will also ask you one question, which, if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.  The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’  But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people; for they all regard John as a prophet.”  And answering Jesus, they said, “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Neither am I telling you by what authority I do these things.

A.  The Challenge of Authority

The temple in Jerusalem functioned not only as a religious hub but also as a center of political and social influence. The authority structure within the temple was dominated by the chief priests and the elders. The chief priests, who hailed from prominent priestly families, were tasked with overseeing the temple’s operations. This included managing religious rituals, finances, and the day-to-day administration. They held significant sway over both religious and societal issues.

The elders, part of this governing body, were typically senior members of influential families within the Jewish community. They collaborated with the chief priests in making decisions that affected the temple and its practices. Together, the chief priests and the elders formed a powerful and often unchallenged leadership circle that dictated religious practices and had a substantial impact on the community’s life.

The confrontation that Jesus initiates occurs in a highly strategic and symbolic setting—within the temple courts, specifically in areas accessible to both Jews and Gentiles. This public and central location ensured that His actions and words reached a wide audience, including pilgrims, local worshippers, and the temple authorities themselves. By choosing this venue, Jesus not only challenged the commercial practices that had taken over these sacred spaces but also directly questioned the authority and practices of the temple leadership.

This direct challenge to the established order not only disrupted the economic activities within the temple but also called into question the legitimacy of the temple authorities’ leadership. Jesus’ actions thus serve as a critique of the existing power structures and their deviation from the spiritual and moral duties they were supposed to uphold.

B. Jesus’ Response

The confrontation between Jesus and the temple authorities intensifies when they challenge His authority by asking, ‘By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?’ Jesus’ response showcases his adeptness in strategic questioning, reflecting a deep understanding of human nature and spiritual discernment.

Instead of directly answering their inquiry, Jesus responds with a question about the baptism of John the Baptist: ‘I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?’ This question is not just a diversion; it is a deliberate move to test the sincerity and spiritual discernment of the temple leaders.

John the Baptist, recognized as a prophet by many, preached repentance and baptized Jesus among others. His ministry was seen either as divinely inspired or as merely human-driven. By linking His actions to John’s, Jesus compels the temple authorities to address their own inconsistencies. Acknowledging John’s divine commission would necessitate recognizing the divine backing behind Jesus’ actions, as both proclaimed the advent of God’s kingdom.

The temple leaders face a quandary. To admit John’s authority could imply endorsing Jesus’ actions, but to deny it could provoke public disapproval, given John’s status as a prophet. Their ultimate choice to evade the question, ‘We don’t know,’ highlights their reluctance to commit, revealing their lack of spiritual courage and unwillingness to confront the truth of Jesus’ authority.

Discussion question: How does Jesus’ response to the temple authorities demonstrate His wisdom and authority? Can you think of a time when a wise response made a difference in your own life?

C. Parallels in Other Gospels

The cleansing of the temple by Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, reflects themes of purity and holiness that align closely with the duties of the Levitical priesthood described in the Old Testament. Each Gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—provides a unique portrayal of this event, highlighting different facets of Jesus’ ministry and his challenge to the prevailing religious norms.

In the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, the cleansing of the temple is positioned during Jesus’ final week, emphasizing his direct confrontation with the temple authorities. These narratives focus on the immediate reaction of the temple leaders and the threat Jesus posed to their control over the religious and economic life of the temple.

Matthew’s narrative highlights the confrontation with the temple authorities right after Jesus’ dramatic act of cleansing. This account focuses on the authority of Jesus and how it is questioned by the chief priests and elders, emphasizing the tension and conflict between Jesus and the established religious leadership.

Mark’s Gospel offers a slightly different angle, presenting additional details such as Jesus’ prohibition of carrying merchandise through the temple courts (Mark 11:15-19). Mark places a strong emphasis on Jesus teaching in the temple after the cleansing, suggesting a portrayal of Jesus as a reformative teacher who not only challenges but also instructs, engaging continuously with the temple practices and the people there.

In Luke’s account, the emphasis is on the reactions from different groups. Luke notes the fear of the temple authorities and their desire to destroy Jesus due to the threat he posed to their power (Luke 19:45-48). Additionally, Luke highlights Jesus’ popularity with the general populace, illustrating how his actions resonated with the crowd, which adds to the narrative of increasing tension leading up to the crucifixion.

John’s Gospel, on the other hand, places the temple cleansing at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, introducing it as an early, decisive act that foreshadows the new order he came to establish. John includes the unique detail of Jesus making a whip of cords, underscoring his active role in purifying the temple space.

Discussion question: What differences in the accounts of the temple cleansing in Matthew, Mark, and Luke stand out to you, and what might these differences indicate about each Gospel’s focus?

This cleansing action resonates with the historical role of Levitical priests, who were tasked not only with conducting rituals but also with ensuring the cleanliness of the temple. According to Leviticus and Numbers, the priests performed regular inspections and cleansing rituals to uphold these standards of worship. Notably, after a major cleansing, it was customary for a priest to return to verify that the temple was thoroughly purified and free from any form of contamination that might defile the sacred space.

By cleansing the temple, Jesus was not only criticizing the corrupt practices he observed but also invoking the Levitical emphasis on purity. His actions suggest a deeper inspection, a call to restore the temple’s intended purpose as a house of prayer for all nations, and a critique of its current state under the temple authorities’ oversight.

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple was more than just a physical act of cleaning; it was a symbolic restoration of holiness and a call back to genuine worship that the temple was originally designed to facilitate.

IV. Christians as Temples of the Holy Spirit

A. Scriptural Foundation

In his letters to the Corinthians, Paul redefines the dwelling place of God’s presence. He teaches that Christians themselves are the temple of the Holy Spirit, a notion that fundamentally changes our approach to holiness, purity, and our daily conduct.

Paul articulates this idea in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17,

Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

This declaration highlights that each believer is a sanctuary where the Holy Spirit resides. The presence of God’s Spirit within us elevates our bodies to the status of a sacred space, emphasizing that our actions and behaviors should reflect the holiness expected of God’s temple.

This is further explored in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where Paul emphasizes the personal and communal responsibility of maintaining this sanctity:

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?  For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

Here, Paul links the believers’ identity as the temple of the Holy Spirit to the sacrificial death of Christ, underscoring that our lives are not our own but are meant to glorify God in every aspect.

And then Paul addresses the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 about the implications of being temples of the living God, and quotes from Ezekiel 37:27 –

Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said,

“I will dwell among them and walk among them;

And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.

“And do not touch what is unclean;

And I will welcome you.

And I will be a father to you,

And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”

Says the Lord Almighty.

This passage calls for a separation from the world’s impurities and a commitment to righteousness, reflecting the purity required of a place where God resides.

The significance of being a temple in terms of holiness and purity is thus not merely about individual piety but involves a collective identity that shapes how we interact with the world. As modern-day temples of the Holy Spirit, we are called to uphold the sanctity of this divine residence through our thoughts, words, and deeds. This understanding challenges us to examine our lives for anything that might defile this temple, urging a lifestyle that aligns with the righteousness and holiness of God.

By embracing our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit, we are invited to live in a manner that not only reflects God’s presence but also actively engages in transforming our surroundings through the purity and love that flow from Him.

B. Analogy with Jesus Cleansing the Temple

Jesus’ dramatic action of cleansing the temple, as recorded in the Gospels, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual purification He accomplishes within each believer. This event was not just about restoring the physical space of worship but also symbolized the deeper, spiritual cleansing necessary for the faithful.

In Ephesians 5:26-27, Paul describes Jesus’ cleansing of the church ‘by the washing with water through the word, to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.’ This cleansing through the word mirrors Jesus’ action in the temple, where He removed the merchants and money changers who defiled the sacred space. Similarly, Jesus purifies believers from sin and impurity, sanctifying them completely through His word.

Hebrews 9:14 elaborates on this purification process by illustrating how Jesus, our High Priest, cleanses not just external actions but also our consciences. ‘The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanses our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.’ This transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice cleanses believers at the deepest level, enabling complete and faithful service to God.

Psalm 51:10 echoes this theme of internal purification through the plea of King David: ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ This request for a clean heart and a renewed spirit highlights the necessity for deep, internal cleansing, akin to the purification required for the temple to be a place of true worship.

The spiritual cleansing that Jesus performs in believers parallels the physical cleansing of the temple, emphasizing the necessity of purifying both our external and internal lives. Just as the temple was intended to be a holy place for divine purposes, our lives, cleansed and sanctified by Christ, are to be dedicated fully to God. This purification removes impurities that hinder worship and service, enabling believers to reflect God’s holiness in all aspects of life.

Discussion question: How can the concept of Jesus cleansing the temple inform the way we approach spiritual purity in our own lives today?

Understanding this spiritual cleansing encourages believers to embrace the work that Jesus continues to do in their hearts through His word and Spirit, preparing them as true temples of the living God, purified and ready for His service.

C. Reflection on Jesus’ Actions and Our Spiritual Life

Jesus’ forceful cleansing of the temple is not just a historical event; it symbolizes his ongoing work in our lives as believers. Just as He was zealous for His Father’s house, ensuring it was a place of worship and not a marketplace, so He is zealous for purity in us, whom He has made His dwelling place.

John 2:17 captures the disciples’ realization of this zeal: ‘His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”’ This reflection highlights the intense passion Jesus has for the sanctity of God’s house—a passion that extends to His care for each of us. Jesus’ desire is for our lives, His temples, to be free of anything that detracts from our pure devotion to God.

Moreover, Romans 12:1 calls us to embody this zeal in our personal spirituality: ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.’ This exhortation by Paul reiterates that our lives are not just for earthly purposes but are to be offered to God as ongoing acts of worship, maintaining spiritual purity as Jesus demonstrated in the physical temple.

There is a bridge linking the physical actions of Jesus during His ministry to the spiritual reality for Christians today. It highlights the relevance of the Gospel events to our personal spiritual growth and commitment. By reflecting on how Jesus’ zeal for the temple translates into His expectations for us, we can deepen our understanding of our role as temples of the Holy Spirit. This analogy not only enhances our engagement with scripture but also challenges us to live lives that are holy and pleasing to God, aligning our actions with the spiritual act of worship that our lives are meant to be.

Discussion question: Considering that we are temples of the Holy Spirit, in what practical ways can we maintain spiritual purity in our daily lives?

VI.  Conclusion

Let us carry with us the vivid image of Jesus cleansing the temple, a powerful reminder of His desire for purity and dedication in all areas of our lives. This act was not merely about reforming a physical space but was a profound demonstration of His zeal for God’s holiness, which He calls us to emulate in our daily lives as His modern-day temples.

Let us be challenged to reflect on our own spiritual state, to cleanse ourselves of any practices or thoughts that do not honor God. As temples of the Holy Spirit, let us strive to live in a way that reflects His purity, embracing our identity as sacred vessels of divine worship.

May our journey through this passage inspire us to renew our commitment to living as true followers of Christ, ensuring our lives are a fitting tribute to the presence of God within us. Let us go forth with a renewed spirit, eager to manifest God’s love and holiness in every action.

To God be the Glory, amen.