Manic Monday?
I mentioned previously that when I began this venture my plan was very different from the way it has played out. As I’m led to bring a different light on “the subject” to show a perspective on things that may make them more understandable, or at least thought provoking, it’s been pretty easy to parallel parts of my life to stories or events. Until today.
Oh, I’ve thought of many examples of disappointment, frustration, heartache, anger, disgust, heartbreak…
No analogy, no synonym, no fancy word or circumstance can equate, as far as I’m concerned, to the feelings that Jesus had when He came into the Temple on the Monday before the coming Friday.
I’m not even sure the Bible does complete justice even though it mentions this in three books (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19). I guess we have to create the scene in our own minds because for those who witnessed it, it was probably different for them too. (the most powerful to me is Matthew 21:10-13)
In my mind, I think of Jesus coming from a nice rest with friends and an “honorable” welcoming from folks who appreciated who He was with cheers and a little “Pomp”. As He came into Jerusalem, He probably expected that everyone would be making ready for Passover.
He likely made His way to the Temple to pray. Jesus prayed often.
The Temple was, like, the ultimate place to go pray. If you’re a church-goer, you might feel more inclined to pray in church than at home. Maybe you even feel led to go to the altar when you’re there.
The Temple was built to honor God. To sacrifice to, pray to and worship to Him, so, it makes sense that Jesus would head there ASAP to do so.
Well, as soon as he entered, it was obvious that the Temple wasn’t being utilized correctly. It was more of a marketplace than a worship place. The Temple should have been prepared for the people to praise, worship and pray...not full of ruckus and noise from traders and profit makers.
Again, I have several instances in my mind that could attempt to convey what Jesus might have had running through His mind….
He was probably livid.
Straightway He began “casting” people out. ( I want to envision Him physically throwing them out on their heads...but it shows His power to have told them, and they obeyed.) He overturned their tables, dispersing all their wares and the money they had accumulated while possibly yelling, “It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves!” How heart-wrenching…would He have yelled with a booming voice or said this in a manner more like Jesus? As a mom, I think a more solemn declaration of His heartfelt feeling of disappointment may have made a bigger impact, but I probably would have yelled.
Once Jesus cleared the Temple He got to work. He taught, healed and made some big-wigs very angry.
Don’t think for a second that Jesus didn’t know what was going on. Surely He expected all these things and was prepared...remember, He prayed often. And He was Jesus.
I can tell you, when I KNOW something is around the corner that will likely blow my mind, praying about it and giving it to God is the only way to get through it sanely. Not having that comfort and guidance is unimaginable. Honestly, I’ve made some pretty huge mistakes and shown a horrid side of myself because of NOT asking God to go before me and lead me through.
Jesus kept going faithfully even though He knew what was to come. Praying constantly, following God’s will for Him and being obedient and faithful...when He could have turned around and said, “NO”. All the while, He kept teaching, kept preaching, kept serving. Even on Friday...Even. On. Friday...
