Today's Scripture:

John 2:13-22 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
Jesus traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. When he got to the temple, he saw that the people were selling goods and animals, and seemed to have forgotten that to have faith was to believe that God’s house was set apart to be different. The Jewish people got upset with Jesus when he scattered their goods and drove them out so he reminded them that the temple would be destroyed and raised up again in three days. However, they could not understand or believe due to their lack of faith. Later when Jesus was raised from the dead, the disciples remembered this and believed.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
I was 8 years old at Christmas when I only had one thing on my list- a Cabbage Patch doll. I begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter making sure that my wish was known. When Christmas morning arrived, there she was. It was amazing until I realized she didn’t do anything. She didn’t cry, or talk or take a bottle or even need diaper changes. I was sad and disappointed. I had gotten so caught up in the excitement of getting this one thing, I forgot what her purpose was- to be held and loved. And not only that, I forgot to be grateful for the gift I received. The Jewish people had spent over 40 years building the temple in Jerusalem. They were so excited about finally having this one thing, they also forgot what it’s true purpose was- to represent God’s holy presence. They had become so focused on selling goods and making money that even when the true temple was right in front of them, they did not recognize him. What was taking place in the temple was all of the outward activity with none of the genuine inner reality. It was much more about what the Jewish people could get from the temple rather than responding in gratitude to what God has done.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
Authentic worship is not to be attached to Jerusalem or any other place or building. It is attached to Jesus. There is no pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. There will only be the movement of the heart from what we want to wanting only Jesus. It’s easy sometimes to get caught up wanting the “next big thing”, but we were made by Jesus and for Jesus. Our purpose is to be held, loved and grateful to Jesus Christ. Anything less will be a disappointment.

About Amy French:
I have been many things over my years here in Houston, but most importantly Mom, wife and friend. I am currently the merchandise stylist at Pepperlou Gifts.
My husband, Chris, our three daughters, Natalie, Jenna and Sophia and I have been at Grace for almost 18 years. I have volunteered with student ministries and VBS, led various women's Bible studies and taught EPIC courses.