Mark 11:15-17
So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
The story of Jesus turning over tables and driving folk out of the temple stands out in our minds because it seems to be so different from how we think of him. Our imagine of Christ is a man that is meek and lowly. A man with incredible patience, and unmatched tolerance. We recite the lyrics to that old song, He didn’t say a ‘mumbling word’ when accused of crimes of sedition. He faced capital punishment by asking God to forgive those responsible for his death. Nobody but Jesus does that. But in this passage he seemingly acts totally out of character. Or does he?
It’s true Jesus didn’t attempt to defend himself when attacked, but he was dead serious about defending the honor and glory of his Father. In sermon after sermon, message after message, Jesus reiterated his devotion, allegiance and service in obedience to the will of his Father. And he never, ever disobeyed; even when his life was in the balance. So when he saw the blatant disregard, disrespect and abuse being perpetrated by those desecrating the temple dedicated to his Father, he literally lost it. He took charge. He acted in the authority of the Son of God, and heir to the throne of God’s Kingdom. He clapped back at the naysayers. He clapped back at their indifference. He clapped back at a society so stuck in their own way that they failed to remember the ordinances and commandments of the Lord. Jesus clapped back.
Conversely, Jesus not defending himself was because he clearly understood who he was, and his valued his relationship with his Father. To defend himself against the accusations of the Pharisees would have been an acknowledgement that they indeed have oversight over the affairs of God and the right to execute judgement. If Jesus was operating under his own power, ideology, philosophy and wisdom, then he could’ve (and should’ve) been challenged and possibly found guilty. But because he acted solely under the direction and unction of the Spirit of God, only God could judge. And the Father had already declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”. So Jesus needn’t defend himself. God was his judge.
As we further review this morning’s scripture we find it has its origin in the book of Jeremiah.
“Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered to do all these abominations’? Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 7:8-11
Like Jesus, Jeremiah preached for years of impending judgement and eventual doom for those rebellious and indifferent to the Word of the Lord. In matter of fact, Jeremiah announced that the judgement of the Lord was on its way. Certainly not a message folk readily want to hear. But true to His Word, God did exactly as the prophet had foretold.
If there is any takeaway from this lesson this morning it has to be the seriousness with which we must take the name, and reputation of the Lord in our society. Irrespective of our circumstances. No matter where or how we gather, the name of the Lord is still holy. And we are the ones called to defend His honor. Just like Jesus did.
It’s time the true Church claps back. The church has become the brunt of way too many jokes. Our expressions of gratitude and jubilation in worship has been reduced to video clips for entertainment. But the worst part is we’re becoming comfortable with it. God forbid! There’s nothing funny about being caught up in the Spirit. That’s serious business. We shouldn’t be entertained by the fall and failure of our leaders. Kingdom building is serious work.
Dear Children of the Most High, let’s never allow the secular and unsaved to infiltrate our society to the extent it impacts our sacred places of worship: whether that place is a church, home or our hearts.
Be Blessed
