jcnr@mpinet.net

When Jesus entered the Gentile area of the temple, He did not find what He should have found. He was supposed to find a strong Jewish witness to the visiting Gentiles of God’s love for them, but instead found Jewish financial exploitation. He became righteously enraged at what he saw and heard.

Jesus reacted by making a whip of cords and moved everyone and everything out of this area that was not supposed to be there. He was deeply affected by the selfishness and hypocrisy of those using the Passover celebration for personal profit at Gentile expense.

He interpreted His actions by saying, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Jesus’ heart burned for God’s restored glory in Israel. His actions revealed His heart. Jesus was not cruel in what He did, but was righteously judging unholy irreverence. The disciples saw the righteous indignation and were reminded of David’s statement, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

The disciples’ reaction to Jesus’ actions was of respect. They saw in Him one who was willing to “fight” for righteousness and Jehovah’s honor. The offending Jews who were profiting from this financial exploitation also responded to Jesus. Instead of accepting rebuke for what was obviously wrong, they arrogantly questioned Jesus’ right to oppose them. The truth is, anyone had the moral right to do what Jesus did, not just some special religious prophet. The Jews were power conscious and they saw what Jesus did as an affront to their authority in Israel. This is what they had on their mind when they asked Jesus, “What sign do you show to us, since you do these things?”

The Jewish leaders’ question reveals much about them. They held their positions of power and would not allow mere moral indignation to stop their exploitative acts. The common man was helpless to do anything about this situation. Unless someone with “a sign” opposed them, the challenge was not accepted. This effectively eliminated major opposition. The Jews should have been ashamed but to their discredit they were only annoyed.

They opposed all challenges to their power and Jesus knew that eventually they would resort to murder in order to protect their power base and authority. So Jesus looked ahead for the only sign He would give them: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” He connected His main purpose for the Incarnation and their murderous lust for power by pointing ahead to the time when both would cross paths-His crucifixion.

The Jews in verse 20 did not understand what He meant, nor did they ask for an explanation. They really did not care! The disciples, however, after Jesus’ resurrection remembered what He said “at the beginning” of His ministry and their faith was strengthened. Jesus knew what was ahead of Him but still went forward into the jaws of religious and political betrayal, treachery, and murder.  

 Copyright 2004 by James W. Skeen