He [Jesus] said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?' But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
Mark 11:17
Apparently the above verse and those pertaining to "The Cleansing of the Temple" have been a popular subject for many biblical studies and heated debates resulting from their contrasting views. After reading some of those, I feel less certain about the true meaning/purpose of this passage, as is often the case when one does not have the command of the full context.
So I will keep to the more obvious reflections.
Our passage in Mark chapter 11 features dramatic, action packed events. Christ, the gentle and compassionate One, shows his other side at last! Using the Mr. Stott's words, "the commercialism of the sanctuary of God" and "the gross exploitation of poor pilgrims" precipitate his anger and we have the glimpse of "the wrath of the lamb."
I applaud at Jesus' reaction at the temple court because I am quick to judge the villains and jump on the bandwagon of the righteous. It's 시원해!
Until... I revisit the wrath of the lamb.
I too have desecrated the house of prayer both literally and symbolically. I too deserve and fear that judgement sure to come my way.
Now I come to Mr. Stott's last remark: "It is only after we have seen the tears in his eyes that we are ready to see the whip in his hand."
Mr. Stott's remark refers to Luke's account of The Good News and not Mark's. Luke 19:39, 40 describes the Jesus' confrontation with pharisees during the "Triumphal Entry"and Luke 19:41-44 draws Jesus, overcome with emotion just prior to the events at the Temple court.
At the top of the hill overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus looked over the city.
And he wept.
Was it the profound disappointment at the blindness of pharisees? Was it the eventual outcome of his people who did not recognize "the time of God's coming?" Was it the cost of the sins of his people - the price He has to pay on the cross.
Humanity of Jesus Christ depicted in today's verses moves my heart.
I wonder if this may be the beauty of Jesus Christ Rev. Bill Radford referred to in yesterday's sermon.
Have a great week everyone!
2 comments:
Thank you for the post. I'm also reminded that our body is a temple of God as well. What would Jesus say when he walks into my temple? Will he be content and say that it is a house of prayer? Or will he say that it is a den of robbers?
Il, thanks for that stark reminder. I was about to share an observation on Kris's post when I read your comment and was stunned at my failure to see how relevant this story is to each one of us.
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