Preparing Your Heart for EasterSample

Clearing A Path To God

The Jewish Temple was much more significant to the Israelites than church buildings are to modern Christians. Perhaps that is why Jesus drastically clearing the Temple seems inappropriate and out of character. The Temple in Jerusalem was the sacred place that housed the very Spirit of God. It was glorious and beautiful, demonstrating the magnificent privilege of connecting with the Almighty God personally. That is exactly why Jesus’ actions were appropriate and necessary. This building was symbolic of the Spirit’s modern Temple—our hearts. The Israelites traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem to connect with their Creator. Still, our bodies are the new Temple, where the Spirit of God lives and works.

It is a bit frightening to imagine Jesus zealously overturning tables. Here, He doesn’t seem to be the gentle, merciful Lamb we see throughout the New Testament. Instead, his zeal abolishes injustice and corruption. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). He was ensuring that only God was being served and worshipped in that place. In clearing God’s Temple of everything that was not godly, Jesus was making room for God’s Kingdom on earth.

After the Temple was clear, Jesus had room to bring miraculous healing, peace, and a taste of the God who is Love. The Jews had been taught that the Messiah came to end injustice, but most people expected it to be at the governmental level. They knew He would come to set them free as Moses had done generations before; however, they anticipated a Savior who would overthrow and replace the oppressive Roman government. Instead, Jesus chose a different route to justice by removing sin and corruption from within His Temple, His Church. Ironically, the people anticipated the Almighty God using His power to overturn the great Caesar. Instead, He bestowed that power on twelve ordinary men, the apostles, and changed the world through them.

During Easter, we are reminded of Jesus’ tremendous Love and sacrifice for us. We should also remember why that sacrifice was necessary: to erase sin and brokenness that would have otherwise kept us from Our Holy Father’s kingdom.

Blessings and Love,

Heather Doolittle & the Help Club for Moms Team