Christian Reflection and Prayer

The Light Blazes in Fury

March 12, 2011

Read John 2:13-22.

TEXT: "Making a whip of cords, He drove
them all out of the temple, with the sheep
and oxen ..." (John 2:15a).

If you picture Jesus as a meek, gentle
man you might be surprised at what He
does here in the temple. But you shouldn't
be-the thicker the darkness, the brighter
the Light must shine. Our Savior knows
animals must be sold for sacrifice, and
foreign currency needs to be exchanged
for temple currency. But His problem is
where this is all taking place.

This trading is being done in the Court
of the Gentiles, i.e. in the back of the
church. The Jewish worshipers aren't
bothered, they can move up front closer
to the temple. But what infuriates Jesus
is the way the Gentile believers are being
forced to worship and pray in all this noise
and commotion.

When Jesus shouts "Take these things
away; do not make My Father's house a
house of trade," the Jewish authorities are
filled with a dark rage of their own. The
darkness tries to overcome the Light as
they demand Jesus perform a miracle
proving His authority to cleanse the temple.

Jesus will provide that sign in His coming
death and resurrection. On the cross His
enemies will destroy His body-the true
temple and dwelling place of God. But on
the third day Jesus will raise it to life again.

Today the darkness still challenges Jesus.
When we gather at the Lord's house to
worship, pray and receive Christ's gifts in
Word and Sacrament, the darkness fills
our minds with all sorts of trade and
business concerns, as well as other
worries, fears and distractions. But the
light shines in the darkness and draws
our thoughts back to our Savior.

Lutheran Hour Ministries