Article May 23, 1925 Issue

The Authority of Jesus

ERIC W. CARR

In the second chapter of John's gospel we find a story in connection with the first visit of Jesus to Jerusalem after he had started his ministry, a story which is of considerable interest in the light of Christian Science. It was the time of the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went into the temple, where he found "those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting." There, in the very midst of the temple, it was possible to purchase the animals and birds for the sacrifices which were in accordance with the demands of the Mosaic law. No doubt this seemed a very convenient and profitable arrangement for all concerned.

The story continues: "And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables." The consternation and astonishment that must have ensued can well be imagined. No wonder the Jews came hurrying up. A practically unknown stranger usurping their authority in the temple, interfering with their arrangements, and driving forth men and animals without apparently their having any power to resist him!

The Jews immediately questioned Jesus' authority. "What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?" they asked. Our Master thereupon made a reply that must have seemed to them amazing, for it did not appear to have the least connection with what he had been doing. "Destroy this temple," he said, "and in three days I will raise it up." They were incapable of understanding his meaning, and could only suppose that this stranger actually claimed to be able to build in three days the temple that their ancestors had taken many years to complete. But the context shows that Jesus referred to the temple of his body.

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