Scripture: John 2:14 (ESV) – “In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.”
J.C. Ryle, in his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, examines this scene as a striking example of how the sacred can become corrupted when human greed and irreverence take over. Jesus enters the temple, the place designated for worship and communion with God, only to find it profaned by commercial activity. The presence of merchants and money-changers within the temple courts reveals a disregard for the holiness of God’s house.
Ryle highlights the seriousness of what Jesus observed. The temple, intended to be a house of prayer, had become a place of business. The animals and money-changers served a practical purpose, enabling worshippers to make offerings according to the law. However, their presence within the temple precincts—and likely their exploitative practices—had turned sacred worship into a self-serving enterprise. This was not merely a logistical convenience but a symptom of deeper spiritual decay.
This verse invites us to reflect on the reverence with which we approach God. Ryle emphasizes that worship is not about external rituals or transactions but about honoring God with a sincere heart. When we allow selfish motives, distractions, or irreverence to infiltrate our worship, we risk profaning what should be sacred.
The scene also foreshadows Jesus’ zeal for true worship and His mission to purify and restore it. His actions in the following verses make it clear that worship is not about outward displays but about the heart’s posture toward God.
Reflection Questions:
- How does this verse challenge you to examine the sincerity and reverence of your worship?
- Are there ways in which distractions or selfish motives might be hindering your relationship with God?
- How can you cultivate a heart of worship that honors the holiness of God?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, forgive us when we approach You with distracted or selfish hearts. Teach us to honor You in our worship and to approach You with reverence and sincerity. Purify our hearts and help us to see worship as a time to focus on Your holiness and grace. May we never allow the sacred to be overshadowed by the worldly, and may our lives reflect the true worship You desire. In Your name, Amen.
*This devotional is based on J.C. Ryle’s insights from his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 