DAY THIRTY-TWO – Thursday, April 7, 2022
Matthew 21:12-17
The actions of Jesus in the Temple have in many ways been something of a mystery to me. Yes, he was distressed at what was happening – monies being exchanged at rates that cheated people and animals sold for offerings at much higher-than-normal prices. All of this happening in God’s house. But Jesus was very familiar with his scriptures and would know the saying from the Psalms, “Zeal for thy house has consumed me”. Why take the chance of this public, and violent, action that might well consume him? Have the praises of the crowds as he entered Jerusalem made him feel so honoured that he would not face criticism for his actions? Did he not realize that the Temple authorities benefit from the profits made by merchants?
Despite the obvious risks, Jesus acts. Would I? Would you?
John Brown
Matthew 21:12-17
The actions of Jesus in the Temple have in many ways been something of a mystery to me. Yes, he was distressed at what was happening – monies being exchanged at rates that cheated people and animals sold for offerings at much higher-than-normal prices. All of this happening in God’s house. But Jesus was very familiar with his scriptures and would know the saying from the Psalms, “Zeal for thy house has consumed me”. Why take the chance of this public, and violent, action that might well consume him? Have the praises of the crowds as he entered Jerusalem made him feel so honoured that he would not face criticism for his actions? Did he not realize that the Temple authorities benefit from the profits made by merchants?
Despite the obvious risks, Jesus acts. Would I? Would you?
John Brown
