Restart: Compassion and JusticeSample

PRAYER

Many people have the image of Jesus as always placid and smiling. But this passage shows that Jesus expressed anger. Yet, Jesus didn’t throw a tantrum. He expressed righteous indignation for what he saw—moneychangers interfering with worship.

The traders were not wrong. They offered a useful service: providing sacrificial animals for people who traveled a great distance. But they charged high prices and exorbitant rates to change the pilgrims’ cash into the official temple currency.

No wonder Jesus was angry. The temple was supposed to offer people a way to encounter God, without the charge of a massive booking fee. The temple was the center of Israel’s economic life. It had become the central bank of Israel. There was even cattle-trading taking place in the outer temple courtyards. Where people of all nations were supposed to be free to pray, prayers were drowned out by the clamor of trade. When money shouts, other voices get lost. But as Jesus points out, prayer is more important than profit.

Why did Jesus take such a strong stand against those who disrupted worship? Although animal selling is not an issue in churches today, what are some other ways (attitudes, actions) worship or prayer is disrupted?

When have you taken a bold stance in regard to prayer or worship? What can you do to safeguard your family’s prayer time or that of others in your community? Consider other ways that worship is sometimes disrupted (lack of materials; building in disrepair). How can you contribute to the needs to ensure that worship is not interrupted? Pray: Lord, there are people who need to know you. There are people who need to learn how wonderful you are. Give them a spirit of openness and trust. Let them experience your presence. Help me to open the doors for them and welcome them in.