The story of Jesus clearing the temple has always been one of those accounts that I've struggled to understand. How did the scene unfold? Of course, I understand the facts of the story--Jesus walks in to the temple for Passover and is confronted immediately by a scene He finds infuriating. He sees the exploitation that follows supply and demand economics. Merchants and money changers making money on the backs of those seeking God. Adding financial stress where there should only joy.
In John's account, Jesus says very little, making a whip and driving them out of the temple, overturning their tables as He goes. Only to those selling pigeons does He speak declaring, "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” I suspect He targeted dove sellers because His own family, too poor to afford a lamb, had to buy these for their offering.
What is so important about this story that John thought it appropriate that it form the foundation of our understanding of who Jesus is?
Theologians have argued that there are the theological implications to this story. It's a clear indicator that Jesus is the new Temple. That He has fulfilled the old model, and that, combined with the story of the water to wine, He is remaking all things pure and clean. I think they'd be right in making this argument. It's a beautiful and true sentiment.
But like so many of the stories in the Bible, this is about so much more than theological reality. The gospel is real and tangible and transforms us here and now. And it teaches a lesson that every generation desperately needs to hear. It is the very essence of the gospel. And I find myself failing it every single day.
What Jesus see's when He walks into the temple on that day is exploitation. It is human beings, and in fact the church itself, prioritizing profits over the most vulnerable. Like Cain in Genesis 4:9 they declare before God Himself, "Am I my brother's keeper?" What does it matter what I do? It's only right that I watch out for myself, my family, my well-being, my profit. Sin crouched at their door and devoured them, just as it did Cain.
If we follow God, we pick up the call to be a blessing to "...all peoples of Earth" (Gen. 12:2). Peter repeats this idea when he says, "...you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." (1 Peter 2:9). And what is the role of the priest, exactly? To guide the people to the Father. To reflect His character. To bring the Kingdom of Heaven to this Earth today. Right now.
This is our holy mandate.
This is our divine calling.
This is the purpose of our lives.
This was personal for Jesus. It was a rejection by His people of His very character. His reaction was Holy and visceral. And John positions it as a foundational piece of what it means to follow Him. If we know this Jesus, we must feel His same zeal. Otherwise, we are just playing a useless game.
I understand that it can feel scary. I understand that it can feel useless. What difference can we possibly make in this wide world? The money changers returned to the temple later, but it didn't stop Jesus flipping the tables.
And it can't stop us either.
We must acknowledge that when we see humanity suffering, especially at the hands of the church, we must act on their behalf.
To follow Him we must flip the tables.
We must have the courage to act on behalf of others.
We must be our brother's keeper.
We must grapple with the exploitation and mistreatment of others.
We must stop overlooking these offenses in the name of grace and peace.
We must step outside of our own interests.
Otherwise we are nothing but clanging symbols.
Otherwise we are nothing.
This isn't the milk of an immature christian, this is the main course.
Want to learn more about the Jesus that John reveals?
Join us as we study John on the Podcast! New episodes out twice a month!
 |
Responses