1. These verses tell us about the first occasion when "Jesus cleaned house" when He went to the temple in Jerusalem. 2. According to the Scriptures, Jesus cleansed the temple twice during His ministry. 3. In our lesson we are examining these 2 occasions when Jesus reacted to sinful activities that took place in the temple. 4. Before we do so, . . .
Discussion:
I. LET US FIRST BE REMINDED OF SOME IMPORTANT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. Passover was the setting for both occasions when Jesus cleansed the temple. 1. Passover was one of the 3 feasts when male Israelites were required to appear before God (Exodus 23:14-17). 2. During Passover, offerings [including animal sacrifices] were to be presented to the Lord (Leviticus 23:4-8). 3. We learn from Acts 2:5-11 that Jews traveled to Jerusalem from many areas to observe these feasts. B. The Law of Moses contained a provision for those who traveled long distances to Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 14:23-26). C. God always intended for the temple to be a "house of prayer" (Isaiah 56:6-7). D. Unfortunately, the Israelites had turned God's house into a "den of robbers" by doing things they should not have done (Jeremiah 7:8-11). E. During the Lord's ministry, some men in the temple were involved in buying and selling supplies for offerings at a profit as well as exchanging currency at a profit.
II. THE GOSPELS SHOW HOW JESUS CLEANED HOUSE TWICE
A. We read earlier from John 2:13-17 how He cleaned house near the beginning of His ministry [the disciples recalled the statement in Psalm 69:9 about the Lord's zeal]. B. He cleaned the same house again at the end of His ministry (Matthew 21:12-14; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46).
III. LET US MAKE SEVERAL POINTS OF APPLICATION
A. Today, God's house is the church (1 Timothy 3:15). B. We learn from Ephesians 5:25-27 that the Lord wants His church to be spotless, holy, and unblemished. C. In Revelation 2-3 the Lord stated 7 times that He knows the works that take place in each congregation ["I know thy works"]. D. The situation that led Jesus to clean house in the temple shows how sinful activities can enter the church, and they can become a recurring problem. E. To keep the Lord's house clean, let us follow the instructions given in: 1. Romans 12:2 2. Colossians 3:17 3. 1 John 1:5-9.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord adds those who are saved to His church (Acts 2:47). 2. The Lord saves us when we are baptized into Him (1 Peter 3:21). 3. Have you become a member of the Lord's church?
