In the account of Jesus cleansing the temple, we encounter the fullness of Christ’s character—He is both the gentle Lamb and the fierce Lion. While we often seek comfort in Jesus’ meekness, we must not forget His zeal for the holiness and honor of God. As Jesus entered Jerusalem during Passover, He found the temple, meant to be a house of worship, transformed into a marketplace. The religious leaders had allowed convenience and profit to overtake reverence, turning sacred space into a place of commerce. Jesus’ response was not a moment of uncontrolled anger, but a righteous, purposeful act to restore the purity of worship and defend the things of God.
This event is more than a display of passion; it is a public miracle. One man, without violence or chaos, cleared thousands from the temple courts, driving out both merchants and animals, overturning tables, and scattering coins. No one intervened, and no harm was done—this was the authority and power of God at work. Jesus’ actions were a living sign, a declaration that He is the true Son of God, with the authority to purify His Father’s house.
The heart of the matter is worship. God desires worship that is sincere, truthful, and centered on Him—not on our preferences, experiences, or cultural trends. The temptation to make worship about entertainment or personal comfort is as real today as it was in Jesus’ time. Yet, true worship is not for us; it is for God. It is an offering of our hearts, grounded in truth and gratitude for His saving grace.
Jesus’ words, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” point beyond the building to His own body. He foretells His death and resurrection, the ultimate act of restoration and deliverance. Just as the Passover commemorated God’s rescue of Israel, so the resurrection is the foundation of our hope and worship. The disciples did not understand at first, but after the resurrection, the meaning became clear: Jesus is the fulfillment of all that the temple and the Passover pointed toward.
May we be a people who honor Christ’s zeal for God’s glory, guarding the sincerity and truth of our worship. Let us gather not to be entertained, but to lift up the name of Jesus, the Lion and the Lamb, who alone is worthy.
