Marketplace

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” [John 2.13-16]

All my life I have read and heard this account in Jesus' life and have retained the idea that God does not want His House to be a marketplace. Consequently, I, like most others, have felt compelled to keep "market" activities out of the church.

But what if Jesus saw much further into the situation than what was merely before His eyes there that day? What if Jesus was seeing mankind, the Temple of God, consumed with money? What if Jesus was seeing how mankind would be inundated with all things "money" thus becoming slaves to it rather than the other way around?

I think perhaps we can agree that Jesus certainly saw everything implied by the presence of the money-changers there in the Temple. I think it not far-fetched to believe Jesus saw a trend there that day that would eventually enslave His followers rendering them servants to it - servants to money - instead of to God. I believe Jesus saw that a system would develop that would be so complex and inescapable that few would ever be able to truly demonstrate 'walking in the Spirit' because of their obligations to all things of market - their jobs - the financial demands of modern living.

I am certain the obvious presence of 'market' in the Temple was quite enough to enrage Jesus that day in the Temple. But I also firmly believe Jesus saw not only what was present and obvious that day, but also what would be the all-consuming power that the "market" would eventually wield over mankind - and especially the Church.

Father, give me eyes to see as Jesus saw. Give me understanding of the circumstances around me and the heart to resist them. Help me to live as You intended and not as the "market" demands.