Cleansing of The Temple

Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves. He said, “Take these out of here, and stop making My Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for Your house will consume Me. At this the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign can You show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and You will raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking about the temple of His Body. Therefore, when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.

Reflection

The account of Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is also found in Matthew 21:12-17 and in Luke 19:45-48. The difference between the Johannine accounts and the other Gospels is that John placed this account at the beginning while Matthew and Luke placed their accounts when Jesus entered Jerusalem; that is, towards the end of Jesus’ ministry. The significance is theological. John wanted his readers to know that Jesus was the Son of God right at the beginning. He was cleaning His Father’s house because He wanted to set things right for the ministry He was about to begin. For the accounts of Matthew and Luke, the cleaning was more chronological. The cleansing of the temple was an act triggered by the unholy trade found at the place of worship. Jesus was angry that the temple, built for God, had degenerated. Money changers were over-charging and taking advantage of the poor.

Corporate Leadership

Set things right first. It is tempting to let a bad office situation remain as they are even though it is not right. For example, the administration could be inefficient or ineffective. Certain staff could be taking advantage of the welfare provided. Colleagues could be gossiping to the detriment of others. Jesus came into the world when it was already in chaos. While He taught about God’s kingdom, He did not turn a blind eye to the evilness around Him. He spoke against false teachings and cleansed the temple to show His righteous anger. Likewise, a good leader has to decide to set things right. Else, in the longer term, the situation will get from bad to worse. However, he does have to approach the situations in a sensitive manner. Speak to the individual in private and get him or her to see what is right from wrong. – XW

Family Leadership

Set things right first. Often, when children commit a mistake, the parents make the mistake of not correcting them and let the situation pass. For example, when a child speaks rudely against the parents, the parents remain silent. Over time, the child learns that it is acceptable to be rude to the parents. Not only will he be rude to his parents, he will be rude to other adults as well. Jesus was quick in admonishing the Pharisees during meals, at public areas, at synagogues and so on. Likewise, parents have to teach children the right behaviour so that they can learn from their mistakes. As they grow up, their behaviour becomes internalised into a good value system. However, parents do have to do it with sensitivity. If they do have to correct their children, bring them away from other people and have a one-to-one talk with them. – XW