40 DAYS in the GOSPEL Sample

EQUAL ACCESS

I (Shawn) used to live in the southern United States, which has a tradition of unique southern hospitality. At least where I lived, there was a greater openness to friends, even strangers, in your home and at the family table. People sometimes “dropped in” and were welcomed with a hearty, “Sit down. Stay awhile!”

Suppose you had invited friends to your house for dinner. Everything is prepared and ready. You’re waiting for guests to arrive, but they don’t show. You go outside and discover a neighbor of yours standing at the entrance with various items for sale and a sign that reads, “Gifts required for entry. Buy them here.” Wouldn’t you be bothered? Wouldn’t you say, “Why is my neighbor making money from my party and worse, why are they denying access to MY friends?!”

We sometimes picture Jesus as the meek and mild, warm and fuzzy kind of person we would want as a buddy who is fun to be around—always positive and encouraging. But the image of Jesus turning over tables and chairs, sending vendors scrambling for squawking pigeons and scattered change, messes with that warm and fuzzy view, doesn’t it?

Jesus was, and is, certainly approachable and full of love. He welcomed sinners, attended wedding parties and feasts, and ate and drank like a common man. He had compassion for the fearful, the poor, and the broken-hearted. He invites the weary and those overcome with the heaviness of life to know his gentle and humble heart (Matthew 11:30). But Jesus isn’t just one-dimensional.

What Jesus is angry about in our passage today has to do with his love for people. God has thrown open the doors to his house, and some were denying certain people access. The moneychangers were common in temple areas and began as a convenience for those who came from far-off places and didn’t bring their sacrifices with them. The problem was the vendors often made quite a profit off the exchange rate. The result was that by the time these people got to the priest with their animal sacrifice, they had been “robbed” by those at the door who restricted access. Jesus wants them to know God’s heart. “My Father’s house must remain open to all people who want to come. Don’t put up any roadblocks to anyone who wants to meet with God.”

This is good news for you and me. God wants to meet with us! His doors are open. Can you see Jesus at the door saying, “I’m so glad you’re here. Sit down and stay awhile.”

PRAY ABOUT IT: Jesus, thank you that you revealed the Father’s heart for all people. You offer equal access to your table. Thank you for the promise that “whoever” believes in you has eternal life (John 3:16).