Evening star., 1908-01-25
Sunday School Lesson for January 26 Discussed
by Rev. J. E. Gilbert, D. D., Secretary
American Society of Religious Education.
JESUS CLEANsEs the TEMPLE. John ii 1922

occurrence OF such startling character
as this would naturally provoke much
discussion among all classes in the city.
for il would he quickly known and those
involved would confer with others. Sides
would be taken. some approving probably
the most religious sort. and some con-
demning especially those worldly persons
whose business methods were disturbed.
Out of all the discussion would come the
question Who is this person" What
authority has He to cleanse tho temple?
1t must have heen evident 10 all that the
act and the speech both implied some
excellence and office corresponding there
to. Jesus must he no ordinary person.
but some one raised up and commissioned
for this service. If so il WAS important 10
know His credentials. and the officials in
quired after a sign or proof of such ap-
pointment.
ANSWER GIVEN ,Nerse rn.-TEe
scene was thus changed. The traders and
the money changers. the cattle and the
tables of coin. the things that prevented
worship. are dismissed from the thought
only they call for an inquiry concern
ing the stranger WHO had suddenly eN-
PEELED them. Jesus was thereby brought
into great prominence. AID He answers
the question in Il way IL help His cause.
Turning toward the temple FOR whose
sanctity He had been 50 jealous. He said.
Destroy this temple. and in three days !
will raise il up" Here WAS plain asSer-
ton of miraculous power. and. conSe-
quently of Divinity He thereby declared
himself to be one whom they had Httle
expected the Son of God. a fuller eXpla-
nation of His words, My Father. lie
had not only promised a sign as was re-
quested but He had announced what the
questioners desired to know, the real
nature of His person.
ANSWER EXPLAINED VERSES
lO rttol.a
who heard Him were confused. The Jews
naturally supposed that He referred to the
temple. which had been the subject of
prior conversation. But how could He
destroy that. so substantially made The
very thought of doing so was blasphem-
GUS But how could He rebuild it in three
days. inasmuch as forty years were re-
uuired to erect it in the first place. They
put the question to Him. but He gave no
reply They were left ignorant. and he
remained a mystery. His real meaning
was not understood by any one. He had
challenged them on point Of supreme
concern but they could not accept lis
challenge and He refused further infornla-
tion 1t was left TO the post resurrection
time to make the matter plain. Then the
disciples recalled the words and interpre-
ted them as referring to the temple of Ills
body. to the crucifixion and the revival
from the grave.
TRUTHS GATHERED.-Out of this
passage may be obtained several instruc-
tive matters. whose statement may be
briefly made: I. The desecration of Gods
house is an offense of very grave char
acter The places of worship should be
held sacred and devoted only TO religious
uses This statement applies to many
practices now permitted. >. Good people
should condemn all sale and barter in the
house of God and they may justify expe-
rience a sense of Indignation whenever
they witness such things, whatever may
be the attempt to justify. 3. Those who
have authority NAV properly use II IN
action any who in these respects are
guilty. 4. In case of such expulsion IL
should be enough to know that it was
done by those who are in authority. who
have displayed thereby their zeal for COD.
who have acted on religious grounds
q