Jesus cleanses the temple, confronting corruption boldly with prophetic zeal—an act leading him toward his crucifixion.
Jesus brought me back to the temple’s entrance, where water flowed from beneath the threshold toward the east, as the temple faced east. The water streamed down from the south end of the threshold, south of the altar.
He then led me out through the north gate, around the outside to the outer gate facing east, where the water flowed out on the south side.
He said, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; when it enters the sea—the sea of stagnant waters—the water will become fresh. Wherever the river flows, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be many fish. The water will become fresh, and all life will thrive where the river goes.”
On both sides of the riverbank, all kinds of trees will grow for food. Their leaves will never wither nor their fruit fail; they will bear fresh fruit every month because their water flows from the sanctuary.
“Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”
Thus, we will not fear, even if the earth changes, mountains shake in the sea’s heart, waters roar and foam, or mountains tremble in turmoil.
Everything in nature remains steadfast through God’s sustaining presence.
Author’s summary: This reflection highlights Jesus’ purification of the temple and a prophetic vision of life-giving waters flowing from God’s sanctuary, symbolizing renewal and hope amid turmoil.