Bible moment
The Bible moment
John 2:13–22 tells how Jesus went to Jerusalem during Passover and found sellers of oxen, sheep, and doves, together with money changers, in the temple. Jesus made a whip of cords, drove the sheep and oxen out, poured out the money changers’ coins, overturned their tables, and told the dove sellers to take these things away. He said, “Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered Scripture about zeal for God’s house. When Jewish leaders asked for a sign, Jesus spoke of raising the temple in three days. John explains that Jesus was speaking about his body. After Jesus was raised from the dead, the disciples remembered and believed the Scripture and his word.
Look closely
What children can notice
Jesus takes firm, controlled action as the sheep and oxen move away from the temple area. Nearby, coins are being poured out, tables are overturned, and dove sellers are told to take these things away. The composition should communicate purposeful correction, not rage or injury.
Talk together
Talk about it
- Why did Jesus want the temple treated with reverence?
- What did Jesus mean when he spoke about the temple of his body?
For families, church, and class
Use this page
Use this page to discuss reverence, Jesus’ authority, and the difference between firm correction and harmful anger. Read John 2:13–22 with children, explaining unfamiliar words such as “zeal.” Remind them that John says Jesus drove out the sheep and oxen, while he told the dove sellers to take their things away. Invite children to draw or role-play the scene calmly, without imitating force or striking.
Source note
From this passage
John 2:15-16 · Cleansing the Temple
Jesus takes firm, controlled action as the sheep and oxen move away from the temple area. Nearby, coins are being poured out, tables are overturned, and dove sellers are told to take these things away. The composition should communicate purposeful correction, not rage or injury.
