Day 36 | The cleansing of the temple

Reflection

It must have been a shocking scene – tables overturned, money (and doves!) flying about, voices raised in anger and disbelief.

The temple represented the heart of Israel’s religious and national life, where God dwelt with his people. But instead of voices lifted in prayer and worship, it was money that talked loudest. A house of prayer had been turned into a noisy marketplace. And a corrupt one. Animals bought for sacrifice weren’t the only ones being fleeced. It was a mockery of everything the temple was meant to stand for.

Jesus was angry at what he saw. Mark tells us he went to the temple after he first arrived (see yesterday’s devotion) and the scene in these verses took place the next day. So this wasn’t Jesus losing his temper, acting out of character; it was definitely in character, motivated by love for his Father’s name – a measured, purposeful response to something that was so clearly wrong.

What should be our God-honouring response to practices and attitudes we might see in our workplaces or other frontlines that don’t align with what God has made us for?

We may be the only ones at work or amongst our peers who believe in Jesus, who has a kingdom-of-God perspective to bring. Staying silent for a quiet life isn’t the route to real peace; prosperity doesn’t have to be at the expense of principle.

Part of our purpose as followers of Jesus is to be a witness to God’s character and his priorities. Whilst we may not need to overturn tables as such, we can pray for God to show us proportional ways to respond and act out of love.

Father, help me to see the places I'm in through your eyes, to be a mouthpiece for truth and justice, and give me the wisdom to do and say what leads, ultimately, to peace and flourishing. Amen.