John 2:13
Verse
Context
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
12After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.13When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the Jews' passover was at hand - This was the reason why he stayed but a few days at Capernaum, Joh 2:12, as he wished to be present at the celebration of this feast at Jerusalem. This was the first passover after Christ's baptism. The second is mentioned, Luk 6:1. The third, Joh 6:4. And the fourth, which was that at which he was crucified, Joh 11:55. From which it appears, 1. That our blessed Lord continued his public ministry about three years and a half, according to the prophecy of Daniel, Dan 9:27. And, 2. That, having been baptized about the beginning of his thirtieth year, he was crucified precisely in the middle of his thirty-third. See Martin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Jews' passover was at hand,.... That feast which was kept on the fourteenth day of Nisan, in commemoration of the Lord's passing over, and by the houses of the Israelites, when he slew the firstborn in Egypt: and it is called the Jews' passover, because they only were obliged to keep it: nor was it obligatory upon the Gentiles; and, besides, was now abolished when John wrote this Gospel, though still retained by the Jews. And moreover, John was now among the Gentiles, and for whose sake he penned this Gospel; and therefore so distinguishes this feast, which was typical of the Christian passover, or of Christ our passover that is sacrificed for us. This was the first "passover" after Christ's baptism, which is generally thought to have been about half a year before; though so much time cannot be made out from the scriptural account; for from his baptism, to his return out of the wilderness to John, were forty days; and from thence, to his coming to Cana, four or, five days more; and perhaps he might be seven days in Cana; for so long a wedding was usually kept; and his stay at Capernaum was but a few days; all which do not amount to above eight or nine weeks at most: the second passover after this, is, by some, thought to be the feast mentioned in Joh 5:1, and the third in Joh 6:4, and the fourth and last, at which he suffered, in Joh 18:28. The Evangelist John is the only writer that gives an account of the passovers after Christ entered on his public ministry; by which is known the duration of it, which is generally thought to be about three years and a half. "Three years and a half", the Jews say (a), the Shekinah sat upon the Mount of Olives, expecting that the Israelites would repent, but they did not; and this seems to be the term of time for disciples to learn of their masters: it is said (b), one came from Athens to Jerusalem, and he served "three years and a half" to learn the doctrine of wisdom, and he learned it not. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem; not alone, but his disciples with him, as appears from Joh 2:17, to keep the passover as he had been wont to do, and as the law required; and he being under the law, as a son of Abraham, and the surety of his people, it became him to fulfil all righteousness, ceremonial, as well as moral, and which he strictly observed. He is said to go up to Jerusalem, because that stood on higher ground than the low lands of Galilee, and was the only place where the passover might be kept; see Deu 16:2. (a) Praefat. Echa Rabbati, fol. 40. 4. (b) Echa Rabbati, fol. 44. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 Passover, an annual spring festival, commemorated Israel’s rescue from slavery in Egypt (Exod 12). Jews traveled to Jerusalem to participate in the festival (Deut 16:1-16). Because John refers to three Passover festivals (John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55), many conclude that Jesus had a three-year public ministry.
John 2:13
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
12After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.13When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Call for Intercessors
By Carter Conlon5.9K56:16Intercessors2CH 7:16JHN 2:13In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that all our learning is meaningless without God's guidance. He prays for God to touch his physical body, mind, and the hearts of the listeners. The preacher then focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible, specifically Esther chapter 5. He emphasizes the importance of approaching God with humility and confidence, acknowledging His authority. The preacher calls for the church to humble themselves and turn to intercession, recognizing that relying on human efforts alone has not brought deliverance to the nation. He encourages the church to engage in intercessory prayer and minister to the needs of others, believing that this will bring about a revival in the prayer meetings.
Is Your Work Being Tried by Fire?
By Carter Conlon2.3K1:00:50SanctificationMAT 3:11JHN 2:13ACT 20:33In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his house burning down and how it challenged his theology. He reflects on the fact that there are some things in life that we cannot possess or make go away, no matter how much we confess or pray. However, he also highlights how God can take evil situations and turn them for good, as seen in his son's development of compassion and bravery through adversity. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ and striving to be like Him, rather than pursuing worldly success.
Christ as King
By Major Ian Thomas1.8K53:25Christ's LordshipObedience in FaithKingJHN 2:13Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the significance of recognizing Christ as King, illustrating that Jesus embodies the perfect relationship between God and man. He argues that true faith is demonstrated through obedience to God's will, rather than mere belief or tradition. Thomas warns against the dangers of complacency in faith, urging believers to allow Christ to cleanse their lives and to live in total dependence on Him. He critiques the church's tendency to cling to traditions that hinder God's purpose, calling for a radical commitment to Christ's lordship. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to present their lives as vessels for Christ to work through, embodying the true essence of the Christian life.
Beware of Covetousness
By Joshua Daniel1.5K28:16JHN 2:13This sermon by Joshua Daniel focuses on the importance of cleansing the temple, which represents our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need to remove commercialism and worldly distractions that hinder our spiritual growth, urging believers to have a single focus on God. The message highlights the transformation from being local and selfish to becoming global and selfless through the love of Christ, urging a deep reflection on personal obedience and commitment to God's will.
From Simon to Peter #05 - 1st Impressions Confirmed #2
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K31:36Simon to PeterJHN 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes Jesus' unique perception of the need for change in people's lives. He highlights how Jesus not only sees what is wrong in the world, but also knows what is right and desires to bring about that change. The speaker uses the example of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well to illustrate this point. Despite her social outcast status, Jesus offers her living water and transforms her life. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that Jesus is not just a human being, but the Son of God who has the power to bring about salvation and change in people's lives.
Zeal for Gods House
By Zac Poonen1.4K57:58JHN 2:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being zealous for God's house, drawing parallels to Jesus' passion for the purity of God's temple. It highlights the need for believers to have a burning zeal for God's glory, to be diligent in repentance, and to stir up the gifts of the Holy Spirit within them. The message urges believers to prioritize God's kingdom above personal gain, to be fervent in serving the Lord, and to actively work towards building and purifying the church.
How to Stop the Forces of Satan
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K35:07Satan2CH 7:14MAL 3:1JHN 1:13JHN 2:13JHN 3:30ROM 9:2JUD 1:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of prayer and shares examples of powerful prayer meetings throughout history. He mentions the event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the upper room. He also highlights a remarkable prayer meeting that lasted for 100 years in Handhut, Germany, starting in 1727. The preacher emphasizes the need for persistent and fervent prayer, drawing inspiration from the story of Hannah in the Bible who prayed for a child.
Religious Men Only Serving God for a Salary (Clip)
By Zac Poonen1.1K05:56JHN 2:13This sermon reflects on the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, highlighting the zeal and passion He had for God's house and the importance of not allowing greed and exploitation to corrupt places of worship. It emphasizes the need for believers to have a burning zeal for God's house, to stand against any form of corruption or dishonor to God's name, and to prioritize true worship over material gain.
Lion and Lamb
By Charles Leiter97645:03JHN 2:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on two passages from the Bible: Revelation 4 and Mark 4. In Revelation 4, John sees a vision of God on his throne, surrounded by creatures praising him. The preacher explains the significance of the sealed scroll in God's right hand. In Mark 4, Jesus calms a fierce storm, demonstrating his power over nature. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith and not being timid in the face of challenges. Additionally, the sermon highlights the teachings of Jesus on turning the other cheek and being kind to others.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The First Cleansing of the Temple John 2:13-25
By R.A. Torrey0Cleansing of the TempleTrue Faith in JesusJHN 2:13R.A. Torrey explores the significance of Jesus cleansing the temple, emphasizing that while the temple was defiled by human actions, it was restored by Christ's authority. He highlights the contrast between the temporary reforms of man and the eternal nature of Jesus' mission, pointing out that true faith in Him goes beyond mere belief in miracles. Torrey also discusses the misunderstanding of Jesus' identity by the Jewish leaders and the disciples' eventual recognition of Him as the Messiah. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the nature of faith and the importance of committing oneself to Jesus, who knows the hearts of men.
Giving the Lord His Place
By Tom Macartney0PSA 27:4MRK 11:15JHN 2:131CO 3:16EPH 2:22REV 3:20Tom Macartney preaches on the importance of giving the Lord His central place in our lives, drawing parallels from the lives of David, Paul, and the Lord Jesus Himself. Just as Jesus cleansed the temple to restore His Father's rightful place, we are redeemed to prioritize God's glory in our hearts. David's thirst for God and passion to secure the Lord's central place exemplify selfless sincerity, while Paul's focus on knowing Christ and exalting Him in every aspect of life underscores the significance of God's rightful place.
The Eyes of Christ
By Tom Macartney0MAT 17:2MRK 11:15JHN 2:131CO 6:19REV 1:14Tom Macartney preaches about the future encounter with the Lord, emphasizing the different reactions people will have based on their relationship with Him. He delves into the imagery of God's holiness and love portrayed as fire in the Bible, highlighting the all-encompassing nature of divine love that seeks to purify and destroy all evil. Macartney challenges Christians to reflect on the state of their lives, the church, and society in light of Christ's discerning eyes and the need for cleansing and consecration to align with God's will.
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Mark 11:12-25
By David Servant0MRK 11:12JHN 2:13David Servant delves into the final week before Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing its significance in human history as the most important week. He explores the incident of Jesus cursing the fig tree, explaining that Jesus, as a human, relied on the Holy Spirit for supernatural knowledge. Jesus used the fig tree to teach His disciples about the power of faith and the importance of believing in God's promises. Additionally, Jesus' actions in cleansing the Temple highlight His holiness and righteousness, showing that trusting God's promises and forgiving others are crucial for answered prayers and spiritual cleansing.
The Value of the Temple
By John Ker0MAT 21:12MRK 11:17JHN 2:131TI 6:10John Ker preaches on the significance of Jesus purifying the temple, emphasizing the sacredness of Old Testament worship even as it was about to be fulfilled by Christ's sacrifice. The cleansing of the temple serves as a warning against the dangerous combination of greed and religion, a recurring issue throughout history. The presence of money-changers in the temple symbolizes the ongoing struggle against materialism infiltrating spiritual spaces, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and purity in worship.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the Jews' passover was at hand - This was the reason why he stayed but a few days at Capernaum, Joh 2:12, as he wished to be present at the celebration of this feast at Jerusalem. This was the first passover after Christ's baptism. The second is mentioned, Luk 6:1. The third, Joh 6:4. And the fourth, which was that at which he was crucified, Joh 11:55. From which it appears, 1. That our blessed Lord continued his public ministry about three years and a half, according to the prophecy of Daniel, Dan 9:27. And, 2. That, having been baptized about the beginning of his thirtieth year, he was crucified precisely in the middle of his thirty-third. See Martin.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Jews' passover was at hand,.... That feast which was kept on the fourteenth day of Nisan, in commemoration of the Lord's passing over, and by the houses of the Israelites, when he slew the firstborn in Egypt: and it is called the Jews' passover, because they only were obliged to keep it: nor was it obligatory upon the Gentiles; and, besides, was now abolished when John wrote this Gospel, though still retained by the Jews. And moreover, John was now among the Gentiles, and for whose sake he penned this Gospel; and therefore so distinguishes this feast, which was typical of the Christian passover, or of Christ our passover that is sacrificed for us. This was the first "passover" after Christ's baptism, which is generally thought to have been about half a year before; though so much time cannot be made out from the scriptural account; for from his baptism, to his return out of the wilderness to John, were forty days; and from thence, to his coming to Cana, four or, five days more; and perhaps he might be seven days in Cana; for so long a wedding was usually kept; and his stay at Capernaum was but a few days; all which do not amount to above eight or nine weeks at most: the second passover after this, is, by some, thought to be the feast mentioned in Joh 5:1, and the third in Joh 6:4, and the fourth and last, at which he suffered, in Joh 18:28. The Evangelist John is the only writer that gives an account of the passovers after Christ entered on his public ministry; by which is known the duration of it, which is generally thought to be about three years and a half. "Three years and a half", the Jews say (a), the Shekinah sat upon the Mount of Olives, expecting that the Israelites would repent, but they did not; and this seems to be the term of time for disciples to learn of their masters: it is said (b), one came from Athens to Jerusalem, and he served "three years and a half" to learn the doctrine of wisdom, and he learned it not. And Jesus went up to Jerusalem; not alone, but his disciples with him, as appears from Joh 2:17, to keep the passover as he had been wont to do, and as the law required; and he being under the law, as a son of Abraham, and the surety of his people, it became him to fulfil all righteousness, ceremonial, as well as moral, and which he strictly observed. He is said to go up to Jerusalem, because that stood on higher ground than the low lands of Galilee, and was the only place where the passover might be kept; see Deu 16:2. (a) Praefat. Echa Rabbati, fol. 40. 4. (b) Echa Rabbati, fol. 44. 4.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 Passover, an annual spring festival, commemorated Israel’s rescue from slavery in Egypt (Exod 12). Jews traveled to Jerusalem to participate in the festival (Deut 16:1-16). Because John refers to three Passover festivals (John 2:13; 6:4; 11:55), many conclude that Jesus had a three-year public ministry.