His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
Jesus visits Jerusalem for the Passover. He didn’t like what He saw in the temple. Some people were selling animals for sacrifice and others were exchanging money in the temple courts.
So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.
You can tell a lot about people by what excites them. Here we see Jesus is enthusiastic about the Will of His Heavenly Father.
To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
Students of Jesus take notice. They seek to emulate His zeal for God and the things of God.
Following this Teacher, becoming more like Him, means standing up for God’s Word. At times taking action when things done in God’s House – in God’s Name – do not reflect the will and purposes of God!
This is especially true as we observe things in our own lives that are opposed to God’s desire for us.
It is interesting that John places this event at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, while the others have it near the end of His earthly life.
Did Jesus cleanse the temple two times, once early on and then again later? What we know about human nature tells us it’s likely. When Jesus left town the merchants came back in and set up shop in the temple once more.
What we know for sure is that Jesus wants God’s House to be honored. He wants us to be zealous about what’s going on in our house. What would he drive out of our house if He came for a visit one day?
Very good point and question, especially since we are now the temple of God!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that stood out to me was this:
After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.
They had just been at a wedding because they were invited. Maybe it was a relative of Jesus - as Mary seems very concerned about the host not being embarrassed due to a lack of wine.
But after the wedding, Jesus goes with his Mother and brothers for some family time. His disciples also attend. They stay a few days and then move on.
Was this a hint that the church would become family? A shadow of things to come? Jesus in essence takes his disciples to a family reunion.
The church is such an incredible blessing - as I've traveled and moved from place to place around the country, I always know there is family at the next congregational gathering.
When I travel "home" to see my physical family we visit on average 3 different congregations, many that are still "family" to us. Close friends and loved ones. The encouragement received and friendships in Christ renewed are outstanding!
The fat that Christ sets up His church to be a Family is an incredible thing.
What past "family member" should you call and encourage today?
What "family gathering" might you need to visit to encourage in their faith?
In what ways do you take advantage of the "family" you currently meet with?
Who in that family do you need to reach out to and encourage?
The family of God is an amazing blessing!