Money-changers aka space-invaders
| On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he 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.'" 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. (Mark11:15-18 ) |
Is there more here? How does this account point to Jesus and his missional interaction with people?
As I read over this I am struck again by the passion that Jesus has for what is right. These people had INVADED the SPACE that they should not have been in and Jesus steps up and stands up with a passion for what is right that we do not often see in his ministry. When you think of "gentle Jesus meek and mild" this isn't the first scripture you may be drawn to.
After this display of passion we see Jesus teaching on the importance of prayer. He highlights that this prayer, that takes place in his house, is for the nations. The prayer inside his house is directed to the nations, to the world.
We also see that the chief priests and the teachers of the law felt threatened because the people were amazed. The people were taken by this new teacher and his message. This is still true today. When people are challenged by the power of God and the good news of Jesus Christ they are still amazed.
What can we take away from this? It might be good to ask yourself what are you passionate about in God's kingdom? Are you passionate about things outside the church? (We are often too passionate about things in the church that do not accomplish the mission of Jesus – "To go and make disciples"). You may also need to ask what are the space-invaders that are invading your relationship with Jesus? What space-invaders are distracting you from the mission of Jesus? Do you spend time praying for missions? Praying for the lost in our world?
As we become passionate about Jesus and his mission we must be drawn to our knees in prayer and then we will see people amazed at the message of hope and salvation that comes when the world encounters the cross of Jesus Christ.
If you were wondering – sell the doughnuts and it's fine to get angry just do the right thing with your anger.
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Brian Smith, husband to Lana and father to Caleb and Jayden. Minister at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, KZN.
