Jesus could have targeted broader social issues that had to deal with Roman occupation but, instead, he saved his strongest and most drastic actions for his own people. This is notable. Far too often, Christians only go full bull in a China shop when it comes to those we perceive as being outside the Church, whether that means Washington D.
None of this should be taken as urging Christians to be less active or involved in matters of justice. In fact, I think Christians should be far more engaged.
But that engagement should draw most heavily from the normal posture of Jesus instead of the exception. There will be times when tables need to be overturned, absolutely, and Christians should be prayerful about when and how to go about such activities.
But the earthly legacy of Jesus is far more concerned with his life of gentleness, meekness and compassion for those society ignores than it is with money changer clearing. If you focus on the things Jesus actually focused on, the actual, justified opportunities for flipping tables will become clearer. He lives in Nashville with his wife, dog and Twitter account. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. Large toggle button. Previous track button Next track button.
Jesus also attacks the temple operations that tended to encourage the merchandising of religion. Any church or ministry that tries to take advantage of the presence of God to make a profit, to hawk religious benefits like the peddlers in the bazaar, or to build a financial empire stands under his judgment. This translation is misleading. It is a modest clash since it does not spark the intervention of the Roman soldiers, who monitor the crowd from their post above the temple court in the Antonia Fortress.
Overturning and driving out evoke images of judgment rather than reform. Those involved will soon set right their tables and pick up the scattered money.
There is little comparison to what Jesus did and the purification of the temple by Josiah 2 Kings 23 or Judas Maccabeus 1 Macc. He is not clearing commercial space for prayer. There is no evidence that the outer court was thought of positively as the place where Gentiles could worship. On the contrary, it was thought of as an area beyond which Gentiles could not go.
The balustrade surrounding the sanctuary had warning signs cautioning any Gentile against proceeding any further, threatening death to violators see Acts — There was plenty of room for Gentiles to pray in the outer court, and clearing a place for them to pray does not remove the barrier that kept them from the sacred place. He knew that destruction was coming and asserted His authority to highlight the ways they grieved the heart of God. Looking to interact with the historical world of the Bible?
Bring valuable context to your study with the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary , a comprehensive and detailed tool full of interesting notes, articles, diagrams, and archaeological photos. Get your copy today! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jesus … began driving out those who were buying and selling there He overturned the tables of the money changers The benches of those selling doves He … would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts We Sing Of Golden Mornings Autumn Fields I'll Fly Away Every Night And Every Morn The Changes Ode To Joy Leisure Simple Gifts Now I Recall My Childhood Circular Secret
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