In this passage we see a righteously, angry Jesus, so it is important to ask what drove him to feel and behave like this? We were reminded that the temple, from the Garden of Eden up until this time had always been the place where Gods people, would intimately encounter his presence and glory through worship. So, Jesus reacts to the incursion of commerce, greed and self-interest into this most holy place of encounter. This is why he clears the temple, to cleanse it and to restore it to its pure place of worship.
Jesus in this passage also speaks prophetically of his death and resurrection. This is the way upon which in his love, grace and mercy he cleanses us & restores us to relationship with him. For this is the very purpose that humans were created for, to be in close relationship with God, bringing him glory.
We were helpfully challenged that this is true for us today. That when we receive Jesus into our lives, we ask him into all of it, no part is hidden, and he wants to cleanse the parts within us that do not bring glory to God. This can be a painful, difficult process, but it leads to us delighting more in our union with him.
Leave a Reply