WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:03.300 In Jesus name. Amen. 2 00:00:05.800 --> 00:00:09.000 The story of Jesus cleansing the temple 3 00:00:10.200 --> 00:00:12.300 is contained in all four Gospels. 4 00:00:14.100 --> 00:00:18.400 It's a very significant event in the life of Jesus. 5 00:00:18.400 --> 00:00:24.200 We couldn't exhaust its significance in many sermons. 6 00:00:26.100 --> 00:00:31.000 But in the Gospel of John we find a few details that are not mentioned 7 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:33.100 in the other gospels and I thought I would 8 00:00:34.100 --> 00:00:39.900 address those details today. There are details that lead us into a very 9 00:00:39.900 --> 00:00:42.100 specific topic. 10 00:00:43.500 --> 00:00:46.300 Who is Jesus? 11 00:00:48.500 --> 00:00:54.600 Only John's gospel reveals the question posed to Jesus by the chief 12 00:00:54.600 --> 00:00:55.900 priests and scribes. 13 00:00:55.900 --> 00:00:58.900 What sign do you do? 14 00:00:58.900 --> 00:01:02.700 What sign do you show us for doing these things? 15 00:01:02.700 --> 00:01:07.000 In other words what gives you the authority to do this Temple 16 00:01:07.000 --> 00:01:07.600 cleansing? 17 00:01:07.600 --> 00:01:12.800 Who do you think you are? Demonstrate to us in some way that you have 18 00:01:12.800 --> 00:01:14.800 the right to do these things? 19 00:01:16.500 --> 00:01:20.000 And then comes Jesus magnificent declaration. 20 00:01:21.300 --> 00:01:22.400 Tear down this Temple 21 00:01:23.800 --> 00:01:27.000 and in three days, I will raise it up. 22 00:01:29.900 --> 00:01:35.200 One can hardly be surprised at the response to Jesus statement. 23 00:01:37.100 --> 00:01:38.000 It's a 24 00:01:39.700 --> 00:01:40.800 pretty understandable. 25 00:01:42.900 --> 00:01:46.800 It has taken 46 years to build this Temple and you will raise it up 26 00:01:47.900 --> 00:01:48.700 in three days. 27 00:01:51.100 --> 00:01:52.100 Who do you think you are? 28 00:01:55.100 --> 00:01:58.000 My wife and I have been having a house built 29 00:01:59.400 --> 00:02:03.600 in northeastern Minnesota in the town of Grand Marais 30 00:02:04.800 --> 00:02:07.600 and it is going on three years now. 31 00:02:08.699 --> 00:02:15.200 And it is almost done just a few more details and it will be done. 32 00:02:17.300 --> 00:02:19.000 If someone were to say to me. 33 00:02:20.200 --> 00:02:22.000 You tear down that house 34 00:02:23.000 --> 00:02:23.900 and in three days 35 00:02:25.200 --> 00:02:26.400 I will rebuild it. 36 00:02:27.600 --> 00:02:31.800 I think my answer would be very similar to that of the Jews. 37 00:02:33.200 --> 00:02:36.000 It took three years to build this house. 38 00:02:37.200 --> 00:02:40.100 And I suppose it could have been built a bit more quickly. 39 00:02:40.100 --> 00:02:42.800 There were some obstacles that slow things down a bit. 40 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:49.000 But seriously three days, it'll take more than a day for the cement to 41 00:02:49.000 --> 00:02:49.000 dry. 42 00:02:50.400 --> 00:02:52.300 And we had 20 to 30. 43 00:02:52.300 --> 00:02:55.300 I don't know how many different workers in their electricians and 44 00:02:55.300 --> 00:02:58.400 plumbers and carpenters and cabinet builders. 45 00:03:00.600 --> 00:03:02.300 And you're going to do this in three days? 46 00:03:04.100 --> 00:03:05.300 Who do you think you are? 47 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:11.600 One can hardly be surprised 48 00:03:12.600 --> 00:03:14.100 at the Jews response. 49 00:03:15.000 --> 00:03:17.600 It has taken 46 years to build this Temple 50 00:03:18.700 --> 00:03:20.700 and you will rebuild it in three days. 51 00:03:22.700 --> 00:03:24.300 Who do you think you are? 52 00:03:27.100 --> 00:03:32.700 In commenting on this text Luther points out that the only reason the 53 00:03:32.700 --> 00:03:35.000 construction of the temple took so long 54 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:41.000 was because of various obstacles that got in the way one being Wars 55 00:03:41.000 --> 00:03:44.600 another being the interference of neighboring peoples. 56 00:03:44.600 --> 00:03:50.400 He states that if they had been able to dedicate themselves 57 00:03:50.400 --> 00:03:53.900 uninterruptedly to the building of the temple. 58 00:03:53.900 --> 00:03:55.600 It would have taken perhaps 59 00:03:56.700 --> 00:03:57.700 7 years. 60 00:03:59.900 --> 00:04:01.400 Jesus doesn't quibble. 61 00:04:02.400 --> 00:04:03.900 He leaves that up to Luther. 62 00:04:05.300 --> 00:04:09.600 He simply acknowledges that it was a long time 63 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.300 and says he can do it. 64 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:17.100 And the Jews response, of course, no one 65 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:24.100 can rebuild in 3 days what it took so long to build in the first 66 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:24.500 place. 67 00:04:26.500 --> 00:04:27.400 Unless, 68 00:04:30.000 --> 00:04:30.500 yes 69 00:04:32.400 --> 00:04:33.300 unless. 70 00:04:36.100 --> 00:04:38.100 Who does he think he is? 71 00:04:41.800 --> 00:04:43.900 Does he actually think he is God? 72 00:04:46.300 --> 00:04:47.400 God could do it. 73 00:04:49.500 --> 00:04:53.000 Whether it's the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, or the 74 00:04:53.000 --> 00:04:56.200 rebuilding of the body of Jesus, God could do it. 75 00:04:57.400 --> 00:04:59.900 In 3 days, is he claiming to be God? 76 00:05:02.700 --> 00:05:06.600 This is exactly the charge that they brought against him when he was 77 00:05:06.600 --> 00:05:07.800 brought before Caiaphas. 78 00:05:09.300 --> 00:05:14.000 In Matthew and Mark both record that they brought this charge against 79 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:17.600 Jesus specifically that he said he could tear down the temple and 80 00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:20.200 build it back up again in 3 days. 81 00:05:20.200 --> 00:05:26.100 In fact, this testimony is critical in establishing the charge of 82 00:05:26.100 --> 00:05:27.500 blasphemy against Jesus. 83 00:05:29.200 --> 00:05:30.800 The crime for which he was crucified. 84 00:05:33.300 --> 00:05:39.400 Of course if they had understood what Jesus was really claiming in his 85 00:05:39.400 --> 00:05:43.600 statement about raising up the temple, they would have been even more 86 00:05:43.600 --> 00:05:45.800 rabid in their accusations. 87 00:05:47.700 --> 00:05:48.900 If you kill me 88 00:05:50.300 --> 00:05:53.200 I will raise myself in 3 days. 89 00:05:56.300 --> 00:06:00.600 I think it is probable that some of them 90 00:06:01.400 --> 00:06:05.500 suspected what Jesus actually meant 91 00:06:06.500 --> 00:06:08.800 about raising the temple in 3 days. 92 00:06:10.200 --> 00:06:15.900 After all, they became extremely dedicated to the killing of Lazarus. 93 00:06:15.900 --> 00:06:17.200 Why? 94 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:23.100 Lazarus was proof that Jesus had power over death. 95 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:24.700 He had to be removed. 96 00:06:26.800 --> 00:06:31.200 He was living proof that Jesus actually was who he claimed to be. 97 00:06:33.700 --> 00:06:38.900 The Gospel of Jesus the Gospel of John has many themes but one of 98 00:06:38.900 --> 00:06:44.100 the most prominent themes is that dealing with the identity of Jesus. 99 00:06:45.100 --> 00:06:46.300 Who is he? 100 00:06:47.700 --> 00:06:51.600 In the very first verses of the Gospel that theme is addressed in the 101 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:58.700 beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 102 00:07:01.000 --> 00:07:03.900 Jesus is God 103 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:11.600 and his resurrection proves it. And that is why his testimony following 104 00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:14.900 the cleansing of the temple is so significant. 105 00:07:14.900 --> 00:07:17.900 He says he is going to raise himself 106 00:07:19.400 --> 00:07:22.300 from the dead. Destroy this Temple 107 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:25.100 and in three days, I will raise it up. 108 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:29.800 This is a startling declaration. 109 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:33.900 You know if you think about it 110 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:36.700 it's not that hard 111 00:07:38.200 --> 00:07:39.500 to be raised from the dead. 112 00:07:42.400 --> 00:07:46.600 Lazarus was raised from the dead. How much effort did he put into it? 113 00:07:48.900 --> 00:07:50.200 Or Jairus daughter 114 00:07:51.700 --> 00:07:53.500 how much effort did she put into it? 115 00:07:54.800 --> 00:07:57.200 Or the son of the Widow of Nain? 116 00:07:59.700 --> 00:08:01.300 Jesus spoke 117 00:08:03.200 --> 00:08:05.700 and they were all raised to life 118 00:08:06.900 --> 00:08:09.200 through no effort of their own. 119 00:08:11.000 --> 00:08:13.700 On the last day all the dead will rise 120 00:08:15.200 --> 00:08:18.000 and it will be through no power of their own. 121 00:08:19.600 --> 00:08:23.400 No,the Apostle Paul says the Lord himself will descend from heaven 122 00:08:23.400 --> 00:08:26.100 with a cry of command 123 00:08:28.300 --> 00:08:29.700 and the dead in Christ 124 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:31.900 will rise. 125 00:08:34.100 --> 00:08:40.600 Jesus says I am the resurrection and the life those who rise from 126 00:08:40.600 --> 00:08:44.900 death rise in response to the voice of Jesus. 127 00:08:47.300 --> 00:08:49.400 Jesus says about his own life. 128 00:08:49.400 --> 00:08:52.600 I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take 129 00:08:52.600 --> 00:08:53.100 it up again. 130 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:58.700 The word translated authority is a Greek word exousíaon which can 131 00:08:58.700 --> 00:08:59.500 also be translated. 132 00:09:00.700 --> 00:09:01.200 power. 133 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:06.900 He has the power to raise himself from the dead 134 00:09:08.500 --> 00:09:09.500 and he did. 135 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:13.100 And he has the power to raise you. 136 00:09:14.200 --> 00:09:20.200 And you need that because if it were up to you your dead body would 137 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:22.400 remain in the grave forever. 138 00:09:23.400 --> 00:09:27.800 Nobody has ever raised himself from the dead. 139 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:30.400 Nobody 140 00:09:33.800 --> 00:09:34.800 except Jesus. 141 00:09:37.900 --> 00:09:41.400 And he who raised himself will raise you. 142 00:09:44.700 --> 00:09:48.100 But perhaps you think to yourself what good is this for me? 143 00:09:49.200 --> 00:09:52.400 All the dead are going to be raised on that day, but they're not old 144 00:09:52.400 --> 00:09:53.900 going to be raised to eternal life. 145 00:09:55.700 --> 00:09:58.300 Oh, you're forgetting the beginning of this text. 146 00:09:59.700 --> 00:10:03.800 Jesus did not come only to rise and to raise others 147 00:10:04.800 --> 00:10:07.500 he came also to cleanse. 148 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:13.800 And cannot he who cleansed the temple also cleanse us? 149 00:10:13.800 --> 00:10:20.200 Yes, he can and it is in his diet that he does his cleansing. 150 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:27.800 His perfect life is offered as a sacrifice for sin for your sin 151 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:32.600 and for mine and in this way, he cleanses us. 152 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:37.000 So that when he raises us on that last day 153 00:10:37.900 --> 00:10:41.200 we Aare Holy and pure 154 00:10:42.200 --> 00:10:43.100 In God's sight. 155 00:10:45.100 --> 00:10:46.000 What does this mean? 156 00:10:48.200 --> 00:10:51.700 The temple in Jerusalem is no more. 157 00:10:53.800 --> 00:10:55.100 The Romans destroyed it. 158 00:10:58.000 --> 00:11:01.000 And it will probably never be built again. 159 00:11:03.200 --> 00:11:08.900 If it is it will not be dedicated to the worship of the true God. 160 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:12.900 The temple is gone. 161 00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:17.200 And God has replaced it 162 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:21.900 with millions of temples all over the world. 163 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.600 These temples 164 00:11:25.800 --> 00:11:27.200 are called Christians. 165 00:11:29.400 --> 00:11:31.500 The hymn writer confesses it in this way. 166 00:11:33.300 --> 00:11:39.300 Surely in temples made with hands God the most high is not dwelling 167 00:11:39.300 --> 00:11:43.700 high above Earth his Temple stance all Earthly temples excelling. 168 00:11:44.800 --> 00:11:51.500 Yet, he whom Heavens cannot contain chose to abide on Earth with men. 169 00:11:53.200 --> 00:11:55.500 Built in our bodies 170 00:11:56.700 --> 00:11:58.000 his Temple. 171 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:02.800 We are God's house. 172 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:07.900 Of living stones builded it for his habitation. 173 00:12:07.900 --> 00:12:15.000 He by baptismal grace us owns, heirs of his wonderful salvation. 174 00:12:16.500 --> 00:12:17.100 Yes. 175 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:20.600 We are his temples. 176 00:12:21.800 --> 00:12:27.300 And he has cleansed his temples through his holy precious blood. 177 00:12:28.300 --> 00:12:32.900 And with his innocent suffering and death. And as he raised himself 178 00:12:32.900 --> 00:12:37.700 from dead, he will return one day to raise us. 179 00:12:38.800 --> 00:12:46.400 We wait for that day with great expectation the day of the 180 00:12:46.400 --> 00:12:48.500 resurrection of all flesh. 181 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:51.000 Let us pray. 182 00:12:53.900 --> 00:12:54.600 Jesus 183 00:12:55.700 --> 00:12:57.300 our Lord and our God 184 00:12:58.800 --> 00:13:00.800 we thank you for our cleansing. 185 00:13:02.300 --> 00:13:03.800 We thank you for the life 186 00:13:03.800 --> 00:13:05.900 you have given us to faith in you. 187 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:11.400 And we thank you for living in us your temples. 188 00:13:12.500 --> 00:13:18.500 Help us by the power of your Holy Spirit to live to your glory until 189 00:13:18.500 --> 00:13:19.500 you're reappearing. 190 00:13:20.900 --> 00:13:23.700 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 191 00:13:25.000 --> 00:13:25.700 Amen.