Zealously for Jehovah's House

Soon it is the spring of 30 C.E., and Jesus and his companions are on their way to Jerusalem to observe the Passover. While there, his disciples see their Leader  acting in a manner they have perhaps never seen  him act before. Greedy Jewish merchants are selling animals and birds for sacrifices right inside the temple. And they are charging faithful Jewish worshipers very high prices. Filled with indignation, Jesus goes into action. He makes a whip of ropes and drives the sellers away. Pouring out the coins of money changers, he overturns their tables.  "Take these things away from here! " He commands those selling the doves.  When Jesus' disciples see him act with such fervor, they remember the prophecy about God's Son:  "The zeal of your house will eat me up." ( John 2:13-17; Psalm 69:9) We too must zealously guard against allowing worldly tendencies to contaminate our worship.

While in Jerusalem, Jesus performs remarkable signs, and many people put faith in him. Even Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, or Jewish high court, is impressed with Jesus and comes to him in the night to learn more.  Then, Jesus and his disciples stay in "Judean country" for about eight months, preaching and making disciples. Following the imprisonment of John the Baptizer, however, they leave Judea for Galilee. As they travel through the district of Samaria, Jesus seizes and opportunity to give a thorough witness to a Samaritan woman.  this  paves the way for many Samaritans to become believers. Let us too be alert to opportunities to speak about the Kingdom. -John 2;23; 3:1-22; 4:1-42; Mark 1:14. 

Next time: Extensive Teaching in Galilee

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000