Listen

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out of the temple, including the cattle and the sheep. He scattered the coins and overturned the tables of those who exchanged currency. He said to the dove sellers, “Get these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a place of business.” His disciples remembered that it is written, Passion for your house consumes me.

John 2:13-17

Think

Have you ever gone to a party or event and been surprised at what was happening when you arrived?

In John 2:1-12, the verses before our text for today, is the story of the wedding at Cana. People were excited to be together for the celebration. Surprisingly, they ran out of wine, and the host panicked. What would people think?! Jesus intervened, and the party was able to continue.

Imagine Jesus’ surprise when he arrives at the temple to see that it has become a marketplace! Jesus didn’t expect there to be cattle or sheep, nor did he expect to see money being exchanged in the temple. It was supposed to be a place of worship! Jesus became enraged. We may not like to think about Jesus being enraged, but we must remember Jesus’ humanity, and Lent is a good time to do that. Jesus got angry about injustice, about people taking advantage of others. He was surprised to find injustice going on at the temple, and he took action to correct what he saw.

Ellen Sechrest

Question to Ponder:

During this season of Lent, are our actions surprising to Jesus too?

Pray

Lord,

help me to always to think before I act or become part of the crowd.

May I speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.

Amen.

Go

May we keep the cross before us and not just during Lent. Let the cross guide our words, our deeds, and our heart’s desires.