Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
John 2:13-25
He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves,
as well as the money changers seated there.
He made a whip out of cords
and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen,
and spilled the coins of the money changers
and overturned their tables,
and to those who sold doves he said,
“Take these out of here,
and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.”
“Come,” you say; “remove your sandals:
Here you stand on holy ground.”
Here, where every flock has trampled?
Here, where all my deals go down?
Here within your tabernacle
I have built my marketplace,
paved it o'er with dimes and nickels,
veiled the image of your face.
I have feasted in your temple—
your own dwelling, set apart—
gorged myself before my idols.
Purge the altar in my heart.
Turn away the grinning merchants;
claim the dreams they count in coins.
Then forgive how I have worshipped
at the table of their joys.
Drive away the sheep and cattle
shod in silver, hormed in gold,
easy off'rings, prayers I prattle,
grace and blessing bought and sold.
Cleanse my heart to be your dwelling
where you only are adored.
Then, when time destroys this temple,
raise it up again, O Lord.
11th century unknown painters – Gospelbook of Matilda – The Cleansing of the Temple – WGA15960 By Unknown Miniaturist, Italian (active late 11th century) – Web Gallery of Art: Image Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15884839
Kate Bluett 