John 2 - Africa Study Bible

While Jesus was waiting for a more favourable time to reveal the glory of God, his mother wanted to rush things at the wedding in Cana. She told him that there was no more wine. Jesus replied that his time had not yet come. Then, unexpectedly, Jesus performed his first miracle. He turned the water into wine and his disciples believed in him. The Tsaangui of the Republic of the Congo say, Pasi diambu mu tangu tangu, meaning, “Everything comes in its time.” The time of God is not always the time of men. God’s time is always the right time, and when it comes, his glory is manifested in our lives.

Honour Due God’s House • John 2:12-25

Jesus acted against corruption, exploitation, and injustice by leaders who took advantage of the vulnerability of the poor. How do we use God’s house? Do we use it for the purpose it was created—as a place of prayer—or do we use it as a place for making money? Some churches have become places of business. Some pastors are exploiting their members for gain and profit. They sell anointing oil, holy water, and other “spiritual” things. Members are sometimes even asked to pay money for prayers so they can be blessed. These misdirected pastors are using churches in the same way as leaders used the Temple in the time of Jesus. Such pastors should be aware that the same displeasure Jesus showed to those who abused and misused God’s holy Temple may be shown to them. The lessons we learn from Jesus as he cleansed the Temple should not be limited to the physical building. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our body is the temple of God and must be honoured. It displeases Christ when you dishonour your body. Dishonouring God’s temple in whatever form is wrong, and it must stop!