The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:13-17 (ESV)
John 2 is Full of Drama
This story has a high element of chaos. It’s easy to read through a bible story and just glaze over what it is actually saying. Put yourself in the middle of this scene. The noisy, chaotic scene. The temple is full of people buying and selling. Animals squawking and braying, moo-ing and baa-ing. The clink of coins as money changes hands.
Not exactly a worshipful environment.
What was Jesus thinking?
I don’t know exactly what Jesus thought when he entered this crazy cacophony in John 2. Obviously, he was angry. He didn’t react right away, but went and made a whip. Then, he brings the whip back and drives out the chaos. He pours out the coins. He tosses the tables of the money changers over.
It occurs to me that the sellers were providing those coming to the temple to sacrifice with what they needed to sacrifice. On the surface it would seem to be a good thing. It makes it more convenient for the people to obey the Hebrew sacrifice requirements.
What is in their hearts?
However, the hearts of the sellers and money changers seem to be filled with greed rather than helpfulness. Jesus sees what they are doing to his Father’s house and is righteously angry.
So, what does this have to do with you and me?
When I have read this before, I have wondered what Jesus thinks of our church when He comes to it. But, this time, something else jumped out at me.
Am I zealous for God’s house?
A lot of people nowadays have a lot of emotions for church. Not a lot of people are zealous. Apathetic. Antagonistic. Discontented. Jealous. But not zealous.
Zeal-ous /zel-us/ full of fervor; ardently active; enthusiastically diligent
Apathetic people react to church with a “blah” kind of response. Antagonistic church-goers are actively seeking something wrong. Discontented attendees may have good hearts, but they always find something to complain about. Maybe they don’t like the music that Sunday or the lights are too bright or the sound is too loud.
Jealousy is often a result of the comparison game. A church on TV or that a friend attends seems so much better than what we are experiencing. Instead of delighting in God and His presence, we are thinking about what we might be missing.
Are you apathetic? Discontented? Jealous? Or Zealous?
I make the mistake of sometimes thinking that church is supposed to make me feel good. That it’s purpose is to improve my mood. In reality, I need to come to God’s house having already prepared my heart and mind to connect with God and with others. I need to be reading God’s word throughout the week and have something to share with other believers.
Action Step:
When you go to church on Sunday, do a quick heart check. Are you there with a heart full of love for God, ready to connect with Him and share with others, or are you looking for an experience to make you feel good? Are you excited about meeting with God’s people?
Prayer:
Dear God, help us to keep our hearts pure. Help us to build our fervor for Your house. Prepare our minds and emotions to focus on You and not get distracted. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Click here if you haven’t checked out the rest of the chapters in Good News: A Study of the Gospel of John.