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God speaks through Haggai, to the Israelites, “Today begins a time of blessing” now that they had just completed the laying of foundation for the Temple rebuilding. Some twenty years earlier, after the return from exile, the Israelites attempted to rebuild the Temple but the enemies opposition brought it to a standstill (Ezra 4:1-5,24). But God spoke through Haggai to the people that it is time to rebuild the Temple. Haggai points to the law of consecration and defilement; an unholy item does not becomes holy when touched by a clean man. Instead, a holy item becomes unclean if handled by an unclean man. Israel is defiled and whatever they offer is defiled. Most likely, the rebuilding of the Temple will address the issue of their defilement. Although they suffered poor harvest before the commencement of the Temple’s foundation But from this day the foundation is laid, and God will bless Israel. The second lesson presents the events that unfolded after Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. Jesus went into the temple and drove out all who were buying and selling in the temple area, as well as the money changers. “My Temple will be called a house of prayer, but you are changing it into a hiding place for thieves” Tradition holds that the portion occupied by these traders is the only portion of the Temple in which the Gentiles could come to pray to the God of Israel. Jesus also healed some blind and lame people who came to him at the Temple area (the people prohibited by law from entering the sanctuary). This is symbolic; implying that Jesus removes any barrier to them being within the Temple. Jesus also alluding to the Old Testament approves of the little children bringing praises freely to God.
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