The purification of the temple

"Then they arrive in Jerusalem. Entering the temple, [Jesus] began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple ; he toppled the money-changers' tables and the seats of those who sold the doves ; and he did not allow anyone to carry any object through the temple. He taught thus, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations ? But you made it a cave of thieves." Mark 11. 15-17

For years the priestly family had authorized a market in the so-called non-Jewish court, that is to say, the only part of the temple to which they had access. It sold everything needed for the temple ritual: wine, oil, salt and kosher animals and birds. The exchange of foreign currencies against Jewish coins was obligatory. If the sellers were not attached to the organization set up by the high priest, they had to pay the temple authorities a heavy tax to obtain their license. The revenues that the priestly family derived from this organized and official racket were enormous.

The courtyard also served as a shortcut for carrying utensils and containers full of goods throughout Jerusalem. Time is money !

Faced with this total disrespect for the temple and finally for God himself, and because he sees the idolatry of money spreading in this building bearing his Father's name, Jesus reacted with vigor as he hunted as well. good sellers than buyers.

Where is the temple of God today ? In each authentic Christian : "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit that is in you, and that you have of God ?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Let us not tolerate thoughts that resemble idolatry ; not only the love of money, but also that love of self which is called pride.

The people of God are also a temple : "You are the temple of the living God" (2 Corinthians 6: 16). This is one of the reasons why the motives governing the world should be banished from the churches: the spirit of superiority, personal ambition, profit, and so on. The kingdom of God is "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit : whoever serves Christ in this is acceptable to God and approved of men" (Rom 14:17, 18).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)