Proof that Jesus is the Lord

The Purging Of the Temple

[Section 11.10 - JN 2:13-25]

 

The purging of the temple in the Gospel of John is prophesied in Malachi 3:1-4. Chronologically, one of the first things that Jesus does after being baptized by John the Baptist is purge the temple. Notice that in Malachi 3:1 immediately after mentioning the messenger that will prepare the way - that the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to his temple. This is exactly what we find in the gospel of John when Jesus suddenly purges the temple.

Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.  2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:  3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. 4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Let’s keep the True Torah – the one of Life and not the one of Death!

The difference in the two covenants is emphasized by the Nile becoming undrinkable and loathsome by Moses whereas the wine provided by Jesus was praised for its taste. The difference in the two covenants is emphasized by Uzzah being killed when he reached out and touched the ark whereas the woman was healed and praised for her faith when she reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. The two covenants are contrasted with the emphasis in the Old Testament on what you shouldn’t do in the Ten Commandments given on the mountain and in the New Testament on what you should do in the Sermon on the Mount. Through the virgin Eve agreeing with the fallen angel death came to humanity and through the virgin Mary agreeing with the angel Gabriel to become the mother of Jesus eternal life was offered to humanity. By all means let's keep the Torah but not the one in the shadows (see 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6) - let's keep the one that is in the Light!

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament