11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
The miracle that Jesus did by turning water into wine is said here to have “manifested forth his glory.” The idea of manifesting glory is actually an expression that affirms Jesus’ Deity. When God does a miracle in the world, he is manifesting (making visible) his glory or his “reputation.” The Greek word for glory is “doxa” and it includes the concepts of glory, honor, reputation and even worship.
The Hebrew word behind the Greek word for glory is “kavod” and it literally means something like “heaviness.” Heaviness or weight is an interesting base meaning for “glory” but it makes sense if you think about it. Weightiness implies importance. When God made his presence known in the world in the Old Testament, there was an overwhelming sense of power and Spirit that affected the physical world in a very noticeable way. Whether it was the thunder and lightning at Mount Sinai or the parting of the Red sea, when God makes his glory known there is an impact on the physical world.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
As we have discussed previously, the word for “Jews” here is actually “Judeans” and it speaks of the people around the area of Jerusalem. The feast of the Passover was to be celebrated where God “placed his name” according to the Old Testament. This place was the city of Jerusalem, where the temple stood which was the area where God had made his presence known.
14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
The people who came from longer distances to celebrate the feast were not able to take their own animals with them to make sacrifices and eat. They brought money to Jerusalem to buy what they would need for the feast. So, there was a busy (and dishonest) trade in sacrificial animals in the temple.
15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
This was one of the times that Jesus demonstrated “righteous anger” in his ministry. He was not some passive, weak man who never showed emotion. Rather, even though he was sinless, he channeled everything that made him human into his passion for God because he knew God’s will. This was a small glimpse of Jesus as the Shepherd who is also a Lion, the one who defends his people and his Father’s honor at all costs.
He took on the mantle of a prophet of Israel, declaring with graphic intensity God’s displeasure with taking monetary advantage of people who were trying to draw near to the Holy Presence!
16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
Jesus drove out those who were interested in taking advantage of those coming near to worship God. Pay close attention to these verses from Jeremiah 7:9-11 that give background to this whole temple incident.
“Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;
And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?
Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord.”(italics mine)
Jesus is fulfilling this prophecy of Jeremiah and we must note that the prophecy denounces those who believe that they are saved or delivered so that they can walk in their own idolatrous ways. The context of Jeremiah notes that those who rob God are going out and doing the opposite of what God wants, willfully, and then coming back to God’s House without repentance.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for defending your people who wish to draw near to you and worship by standing against those who try to take advantage of your sheep. Keep me from anger, but if I ever have anger let it be because of passion for you and not for my own reasons. Always keep me from sinning in anger. I ask you to forgive me for the times that I have said one thing or believed one thing and acted the opposite way. Grant me the strength to drive the “merchants” of self-interest out of my own inner being, since I am your temple, and rededicate me to yourself.
Amen
“For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” – Proverbs 8:11
All Bible Verses are from the KJV Unless Otherwise Noted
All images used are in the public domain from Pixabay
