It wasn't His first visit to the temple, but it was the beginning of the end of His visits. John places the temple conflict early in his gospel to tell the reader - this is the reason for the coming conflict.  Likely it was at the end of His ministry, and it was the final straw that led to Jesus' death. It was a temple battle, and while it may have seemed that the great battles of the temple were in the past (when Babylon destroyed the city), the real battle came with the arrival of Jesus. He dares to speak of "destroying the temple." Now, we know He was talking about His body, but He was also talking about the temple. After Jesus, the presence of God is not just in that "very spot." It will soon be made available to every person who believes and puts faith in Jesus. What is your temple? Have you come to the temple?

On This Very Spot

Wait, What Temple?

John 2:13-22

Three things Jesus is doing "On This Very Spot:"

John 2:13-15

Point One: Jesus is removing the religious requirements.

John 2:16-17, Matthew 21:14-15, Mark 11:18a

Point Two: Jesus is restoring the religious system.

John 2:18-22

Point Three: Jesus is revealing that He is the sign.