He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables. John 2:15 WEB
Our scripture describes Jesus’ reaction to the materialism he encountered in the temple when visiting Jerusalem. Early in his ministry, Jesus left a wedding at Cana traveling through Capernaum before arriving in Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Upon arrival, Jesus became justifiably angry to find his Father’s house used for commercial purposes rather than for prayer and worship.
This was not Jesus’ first trip to Jerusalem. The Jews celebrate Passover every year. When he was twelve yearsof age, Jesus became separated from Mary and Joseph after a trip with family and friends to the Passover festival in Jerusalem. The group left Jerusalem to return home, but Jesus stayed behind.
Realizing his absence, Jesus’ parents returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days of search, they found him in the temple courts listening to the teachers and asking questions.
My Father’s House
Luke 2:47-49 records what happened thereafter saying, “All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.’ He said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ WEB”
The story from Jesus’ youth demonstrates his devotion to God and his love of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple of God is for learning, worship, and spiritual development. When Chrst arrived to find his Father’s house used in pursuit of material wealth, it aroused his anger.
Wealth obsessed, Israel had lost interest in the things of God. Instead, they engaged in worldly pursuits, trading livestock, exchanging currency, and defiling the spiritual purpose of God’s house with their material interests. In place of seeking God and a greater understanding of the Lord, some used the temple courts for commerce.
Matthew 21:12-13 records this same event saying, “Jesus entered into the temple of God and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves. He said to them, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers!’ WEB”
A House of Prayer
The words Jesus uses here are carefully selected. The Lord quotes the prophet Isaiah who predicted the coming of Christ. Isaiah 56:7 reads, “I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples. NIV” Notice that the house of God is for all people and not just one nation.
Further, Christ references prophetic words from Jeremiah 7:11 which says, “Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord. KJV” Entering the temple courts that day, the Son of God saw men who served money instead of the Father.
Jesus’ response to the misuse of the temple shows the righteous displeasure of God. The Lord does not tolerate false teachers and corruption in his presence. Although forgiving, God is holy, judging sin and corruption. The faithful put the love and service of God above all things. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. NIV”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the lessons in your holy word. Thank you for the temple that is the body of Christ. Lead me away from the love of money. Guide my steps to serve you and you alone. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Sin No More
