The Cleansing of the Temple
Jesus is Worthy to be Lord of Our Lives
The word "Lord" is one of Jesus' titles, much like a position; He is the Lord of lords! He is the supreme authority. "Lord" would be like saying "Master." In order for there to be a Lord, there must be one who is greater (the Lord) and one who is lesser (a servant). We can gladly take the title "servant," letting our Lord, Jesus Christ, be in authority over our life. We need Him as our personal Savior. He came to be the Lord of our life, the one who enables us and fills us to do His will.
Read John 2:13-22
In the temple courts, merchants would sell animals to people who had traveled a long distance. These travelers had no choice but to purchase these animals at a high price. Money corrupted these merchants, and the temple courts became a place where money was worshipped more than God. The people were not only forced to buy sacrificial animals at ridiculous prices; they were also forced to pay certain, very high, temple dues or taxes. The merchants were taking advantage of all the people who truly wanted to worship God. This was wrong; it was evil. This was leaving a very bad impression on those who just wanted to worship the Lord. These things displeased the Lord greatly.
Jesus made a whip with some rope and drove out the people, the sheep, the oxen, and the moneychangers. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin.” Jesus was righteous in his anger towards the moneychangers and merchants. They were misrepresenting God by using His house to cheat and steal from people.
Jesus does not want us to be so concerned about money that it takes our minds off Him. He does not want anything to stand in the way of our relationship with Him. It could be money or something else that gives us great pleasure, but anything that interferes with our relationship with God or takes our minds off Him is an idol. Jesus is worthy to be Lord of our lives!
Family Discussion
Memory Verse
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” JOHN 2:17
Read John 2:13-22
In the temple courts, merchants would sell animals to people who had traveled a long distance. These travelers had no choice but to purchase these animals at a high price. Money corrupted these merchants, and the temple courts became a place where money was worshipped more than God. The people were not only forced to buy sacrificial animals at ridiculous prices; they were also forced to pay certain, very high, temple dues or taxes. The merchants were taking advantage of all the people who truly wanted to worship God. This was wrong; it was evil. This was leaving a very bad impression on those who just wanted to worship the Lord. These things displeased the Lord greatly.
Jesus made a whip with some rope and drove out the people, the sheep, the oxen, and the moneychangers. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin.” Jesus was righteous in his anger towards the moneychangers and merchants. They were misrepresenting God by using His house to cheat and steal from people.
Jesus does not want us to be so concerned about money that it takes our minds off Him. He does not want anything to stand in the way of our relationship with Him. It could be money or something else that gives us great pleasure, but anything that interferes with our relationship with God or takes our minds off Him is an idol. Jesus is worthy to be Lord of our lives!
Family Discussion
- Why was Jesus in Jerusalem? (to celebrate Passover)
- Why was the temple displeasing to Jesus? (the moneychangers and merchants were misrepresenting God by using His house to cheat and steal from the people)
- The Lord is long-suffering. What does that mean? (He is slow to anger)
- Was Jesus righteous in His anger toward the moneychangers? (Yes)
- What are some ways you can "clean out" distractions and focus on the best ways to love and serve God?
Memory Verse
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” JOHN 2:17
Posted in Calvary Kids