John 2:13-25

John 2:13-25 New International Version (NIV)

¹³ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵ So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Jesus took the time to make the whip out of cords.  This was not a rash over reaction.  It was a calculated response to what was happening.  Jesus knew exactly what he was doing.  Jesus has a "zeal" for the house of God.   

Where is my zeal for God when I go to worship.  All too often I go to sing...because I like singing...not so much to worship.  I need to focus on why I am there.

¹⁸ The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”
¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” ²¹ But the temple he had spoken of was his body. ²² After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

Once again the Jews demand proof of His authority.  My first reaction is to judge them, but I am immediately convicted.  I know who Jesus is.  I know he died and rose again for me.  I have accepted his work on the cross as payment for my sin.  Yet every day I do things that he does not want me doing.  Every day I question his authority.

²³ Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. ²⁴ But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. ²⁵ He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

Jesus was careful who he gave himself to.  Some were just users and he knew it.  I need to follow the leading of the Spirit so I too will not give myself to these kinds of people.  This does not mean I will not minister to them, but I will guard my heart and soul from their "using" ways.