Today we begin the road toward the cross and we will be looking this time at opposition and the warnings of the things Jesus did that would of stirred the crowd before and against Jesus. Jesus in three years of ministry would go into the temple and turn over the tables at least two times. Yet this would be the first occurrence. I can not help but wonder what those that sold within the temple thought of their livestock being chased into the streets and the money they had earned being thrown to the floor of the temple. Jesus authority was in questioned for the first event, yet Jesus uses to explain that this was His Father’s house. This was God’s house and it was not a place of merchandise. I think of the stories of Roman Catholic church how in the basement is merchandise of artwork that was gifts. Some in recent years sold. Yet in many churches no one has a problem having a banquet where the guest pays for their meals. In some churches the dinner Is for a special offering being taken or for a building fund. No one thinks about these things, nor having an open sale of merchandise after concert or on a satruday afternoon bake sale, craft or junk sale. The point of the problem is not earning money for the temple in Jesus day, it would be about the location of the sale, which was inside the temple, making it into a barn for livestock. The filth of the animals alone from just normal body functions of these animals would have been enough to drive most people out into the streets and away from a place to worship. The animals alone were enough reason to cast these merchants out. No regard that God’s house was holy. No regard of keeping the temple purified. Jesus authority was question for he was teacher of the law and a prophet.

Jesus after clearing the temple, the Jews began to question Jesus authority even to demanding a sign, and Jesus response was destroy the temple in three day He would lift it up, signifying not only sign but the type of death he would die. He was not talking about a forty-six year old temple but about his body, the body that covered the Spirit of God. He was not talking about temple building but his body being a temple. Jews would take there part in the crucifixion of Jesus but we all nailed Christ to the cross.

The opposition beginning with the first question of the need for a sign that Jesus had the authority. The proof of Jesus having the authority would plague his ministry though He taught in the temple even as a little boy to religious leaders. Yet the teaching and use of scripture was not enough to please this crowd. This would begin the road that would cause the people to search out his right to do the things He did. The people were wanting to know who give him permission to choose the livestock and the money changers out of the temple. Yet the promise of a sign is given, yet it would not be immediately, and if one thinks long and hard about prophesy, it not always immediately it might take time to be fulfilled. Yet meanwhile the temple was cleared for at least one day. I would like to think until the passover celebration was over.

The first opposition came a need of proof that Jesus had authority. Yet John the Baptist when he baptized Jesus witnessed the authority of God coming down like a dove onto the shoulder of Jesus. The Holy Spirit descendent lke a dove. What greater sign the testimony of the Holy Spirit. God’s word is true and is not a lie.

Dear Heavenly Father thnk you for the sign of the temple falling and rebuilt in three days. Thank for prophesying to your people and showing them your authority that it was of God. In Jesus precious name, Amen.