The Message
Much has been said about Jesus driving the money-changers out of the temple. There was much profit to be made selling items to those coming to worship, and when the focus changes from how much worship the temple generates to how much wealth the church generates, then there's a problem. When a church becomes better known for its wealth and influence more than its service, there's a problem. When Christians amass fortunes for themselves and do not think of others, there's a problem.
What interests me about this passage is that Jesus doesn't come here as an occupying force. Jesus comes and clears out the temple, but then he leaves the city in the evening. Jesus didn't show up to occupy Jerusalem and conquer Rome -- Jesus has much bigger fish to fry. Jesus has come for hearts and minds, for lives, not for geopolitical power. That's not the intent of the Gospel -- the Kingdom of God is far more than a nation with borders. The Gospel transcends all of that, and invades every part of our lives and every corner of our hearts.
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