Series 5, episode 2 of “The Chosen” can be quite thought provoking. Jesus appears in the Outer Court of the Temple. The occasion is Passover Week and Jerusalem is mobbed by visitors. The Temple Court overflows with animals sold for sacrifice. The money changers charge exorbitant fees to trade regular currency (which features the portraits of idols) to Temple currency. There is money to be made and no lack of greed.
WHERE IS QUIET GENTLE JESUS?
Jesus walks in, horrified at the mayhem in an area meant for prayer and worship of the Father. Out of His bag He takes a whip and begins to turn over the stands, chase out the animals and yell at the merchants. Shock registers on people’s faces. Where is the quiet, gentle Jesus they know? Who is this man demanding holiness and repentance? Where did He get that whip?
DEN OF THIEVES
The frightened disciples see the Roman guards. The guards’ purpose is to keep order. This is not orderly! Temple officials are furious that someone questions their money-making operation. Jesus is in tears and enraged that His Father’s house is a den of thieves.
CLEANING HOUSE
He sees the temple, meant to be a place of prayer for all nations, turned into a marketplace. Genuine worship is non-existent. Taking advantage of people is pre-eminent. God’s design is for a house of prayer, a place to meet with God and worship Him. Stepping into the Temple courts, Jesus does not see any of this. Jesus sees avarice, extortion, and oppression. He responds by cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12-16). The Son of God cleans house.
HOW CLEAN IS YOUR TEMPLE?
What does Jesus discover in the temple of your life? Each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Is your relationship with Him a cornerstone of communion with God with a centerpiece of prayer? Have your turned down the noise in your life? Is it time to bring out the whip, turn over the stands, chase out the animals, and yell at the merchants? Better yet, time to shut down the computer, the phone, and clear the calendar? Are you living your temple purpose: prayer and worship of the Father?
