“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up…’ But Jesus was speaking of the temple of his body.” [John 2:19]
It was near Passover and throngs of Jews went up to Jerusalem. The temple was a madhouse of commerce, as cattle, sheep, and doves were on hand for sale and worshipers met with money changers. Imagine the chaos, let alone the smell! Into this madhouse Jesus walks and begins to overturn tables. Not exactly the sweet Jesus we all imagine at times. He shouts, “Take these things out of here!” He wanted the animal sellers and money changers to stop desecrating the Temple. Jesus confronted the temple culture that exploited the most vulnerable. Where do we see injustices like this? Where is compassion and mercy most needed today? “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” said Jesus. Yet, the power at work in Jesus not only raised him up but can raise us up as well so that we might in turn raise others up. May we be about this work this Lent.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for this outburst of righteousness by Jesus. Yes, enough is enough, stop the exploitation! Yet, I confess I am not so bold. I struggle to voice my concerns. I am slow to act. Give me the courage to do one small thing that will make this world more just for all. Amen.
