Testimony and Toleranceনমুনা

Jesus in Jerusalem

In the episode of the purification of the temple, Jesus seems very intolerant. The reason for this intransigence is that the behavior of merchants was an obstacle that kept the simple and weak from approaching God.

In Matthew 21:14-16, we read that after the merchants were driven out, the blind and lame could move without hindrance, and the voices of children were heard crying out. The Temple courtyard was once again a place where everyone could feel comfortable and worship God without any distractions.

The harsh words spoken to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 were because their behavior and teaching hindered ordinary people from becoming acquainted with God, even though they claimed to be guides (vv.13,15). Jesus did not dispute people but rather their way of doing things: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach (Matthew 23:2,3).

Before Pontius Pilate, Jesus said that he was a witness to the truth (John 18:37). He died because of this testimony. Jesus does not compromise to avoid difficulties for himself. The lesson for us is that we must be prepared to fight so that there are no obstacles for the weakest and most disadvantaged to hear the testimony of the truth, even at great cost to ourselves.