22 Sep Why Jesus Went Wild
Doesn’t Jesus’ behaviour with the whip in the temple seem a bit out of character? Why would someone so caring, known for healing and forgiving, suddenly go kind of psycho? Well, sometimes a little more information changes everything.
Here is some background information to do just that.
Have you ever heard of the Temple Warning Inscription?
Take a look at this image here. (Courtesy Wikipedia) This is an inscription in Greek, that was placed on the outside of the Temple precinct in Jerusalem warning non Jews to stay out. This is a translation of what it says.
No stranger is to enter within the balustrade round the temple and enclosure. Whoever is caught will be himself responsible for his ensuing death.
It is not certain if the ‘stranger’ described is a Gentile, or a Gentile who hadn’t converted to Judaism, but one thing is certain, death was the penalty for someone entering the precinct who wasn’t Jewish.
Later some citizens of Jerusalem assumed that Paul had allowed Trophimus the Ephesian to enter the Temple precinct, and because of that Paul was arrested and put on trial. Ultimately he was in prison for years as a result. See Acts 21:27-29
So there was a genuine blockage between non Jews being able to physically make a connection to God at the Jewish temple.
Earlier in the Bible, we see that God called Abraham (a Babylonian) to follow Him, and gave him this promise.
‘The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”‘ Genesis 12:1-3
Abraham was to start a nation (the Israelites) for the purpose of being a blessing to everyone, Jews and non-Jews.
The theme of being a blessing to the nations is repeated throughout the Old Testament.
So finally Jesus is in the Temple precinct, and goes wild. This is what was recorded:
‘Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”’ Matt 21:12-13
Did you notice what Jesus said? The underlined bit?
Jesus was quoting Isaiah 56:7 which says, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.’
For all nations!!!
A house of prayer for Gentiles to come and pray. But also a house of prayer where the people of God would show concern for the nations and pray for them.
Jesus was wild, because the purpose of God to be a blessing to all people was being thwarted. And not only that, in its place they had turned the temple into a market, price gouging the pilgrims who couldn’t bring their own sacrifices from afar, but had to buy them locally at hugely inflated prices. The temple had become a money-making system, making it hard for legitimate worshippers, and denying those who were not Jewish from seeking the Lord. It makes sense that Jesus was upset, because he cared a great deal about people.
Let us be mindful that God has a heart for all people. Let us be prayerful and remember that we too are a chosen people. Not chosen for privilege, but chosen to do a job.
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