Spring Cleaning: Reflections on John 2:13-22

March 05, 2012 by Alyce McKenzie

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In that time, we will have a new temple, Jesus' crucified and resurrected body. John 2: 18-21 connects the Temple with Jesus' crucified and resurrected body, which has become our new Temple. "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up," says Jesus. John uses the verb eyeiro—"to raise up"—rather than Mark and Matthew's "oikodomeo"—to build or rebuild (Lincoln 139).

I mentioned at the outset that I am not at all pleased with the performance of the woman whose job it is to clean my house. But after studying this passage, rather than judge her and her superficial cleaning methods, I think I'll get her some help. Clearly, she needs the help of someone who knows how to deep clean a house. She needs Jesus Christ to create in her a clean heart and to put a new and right spirit within her.

We do well to echo the words of penitent King David during the remaining days of Lent: "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean," says David in Psalm 51:7. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me" (51:10).

Sources Consulted

Soul Feast, Marjorie Thompson

The Gospel According to Saint John, Andrew T. Lincoln

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3/5/2012 5:00:00 AM

Progressive Christian

Edgy Exegesis

Christianity

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About Alyce McKenzie

Alyce M. McKenzie is the George W. and Nell Ayers Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

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