Perhaps you grew up with the same picture in your mind of Jesus that I did. The long flowing hair, perfect robes, uplifted eyes and a partial smile on His lips. The art museums I visited in Italy confirmed that this indeed was the way Jesus looked while on earth.
So the scripture today is surprising. The picture we have doesn't reconcile with Christ driving out the money changers and others who had turned the temple into a marketplace. This Christ had zeal for His Father's house, and in that zeal he was turning over tables and using a whip.
While the disciples watched we are told in John 2:17 that they were reminded of the words found in Psalm 69:9, "For zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me." They saw in Jesus fulfillment of Scripture.
The Jews demanded what authority Jesus had for his actions - though if they'd been listening, Jesus clearly stated it was His Father's house (see John 2:16). He was the Son going about the Father's business.
They asked Him for a miraculous sign, and He told them to destroy the Temple - meaning LHimself - and He would raise it in three days. This group took Him literally, though, and thought He was referring to the temple building that had taken 46 years to build. How confounding Jesus' words seemed at that time, but later, after His resurrection, they were recalled by the disciples. Those confusing words became words of hope that gave them reason to believe in the Scriptures.
In the pictures of Jesus I referred to at the beginning, He always looks kind of weak and puny. The picture from today's Scripture, however, shows us authority, and power. One who was not afraid to stand up for what was right. This is the picture I prefer!
"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"
The four living creatures said, "Amen", and the elders fell down and worshiped." Revelation 5:13- 14
Jesus was passionate about cleansing the temple and He is passionate about cleansing our hearts. Am I greedy and self-seeking like the money changers, am I complacent about God's kingdom, do I take advantage of people? Some hard questions to ask myself. We are the temple of the living God, His house of worship, His dwelling place. He wants to remove all the junk and replace it with His love, His power, His passion. All we have to do is ask. For me, it's a daily asking, a dying to self. My life is not my own, anyway. It was bought at a price. Jesus, the Temple gave up His life for me. Isaiah 53 says it all.
ReplyDeleteThe reference of Psalm 69:9 is the scripture that keeps coming to my mind. How many times does my Lord want me to be bold and tell someone of His incredible love. I may resist not wanting to be judged or have my feelings hurt, not wanting to be insulted. This scripture reminds me I am to join my Lord where He is at work. My job is to be obedient to His calling. If others choose to reject Jesus or the boldness of me sharing, I am not to be insulted. Ultimately they are rejecting Jesus, not me, and He is able and willing to take those insults directed towards me upon Himself. Now that is an indescribable love!
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