Scripture: John 2:12-25

Description: Jesus' cleansing of the temple in both the Synoptic Gospels and the gospel of John is a very curious incident. We are told it is evidence of Jesus' zeal for the true worship of God (2:17), but the passage itself is complicated by the fact that the purchase and exchange of animals for sacrifices was a necessary component of the cultures religious practices. Jesus, however, seems to believe that the merchants and money changers are operating in inappropriate or ungodly ways. Through this passage, the Scriptures relate to us that there are some moments in life when we must confront and stand up to our bullies, even if that bully is our own self.