Jesus at the Temple: Building Together
He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. (Matt 21:13-14)
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” This statement recorded in John 2:19 was really contentious, and was an accusation levelled against Jesus during his trial, as well as a taunt while he reeled in pain on the cross. He said these words while standing in Temple courts he had just cleansed. However, John quickly informs his readers that Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body. In the Matthew passage about the cleasing of the Temple, there are many players – some praising the Lord Jesus and others opposing Him. I take this opportunity to reflect on their roles in building together – building together the physical temple and also the temple of the body of Jesus Christ.
The physical temple in Jerusalem was a monumental piece of Architecture and Engineering. It took forty-six years to re-build it; the first one took King Solomon seven years to put up, even when his father David had collected all the materials required for that project! When the Chapel leadership appeals for financial contributions and support from all corners and from all members to continue building and refurbishing needy sections of the Chapel, it is a task that all should embrace. It cannot be a job for a few people – not even the highly placed like rulers or just the rich. Everyone regardless of position or background ought to lend their hand to a Church project, for all efforts available are really required.
Now to the people at the Temple with Jesus: the disciples were always following and in support of the Lord’s moves; there was also a happy crowd that believed Him to be the Messiah; and there were children who sang ‘Hosanna to the Son of David’ – a song deserving only the Messiah – the highest praise poured upon Jesus Christ; and there are also those who were blind and the lame who had been healed. These four categories of people were building together – building the ‘body of Jesus Christ’ through worship and obedience. These would later become the Church. We are called upon to join them in building together the body of Christ today.
On the other hand, there were people selling and exploiting the oncoming worshippers, then chief priests and scribes who became indignant and annoyed when they heard children singing and praising the Lord. Two categories of people here are spoiling the building process; and we have such people among us even today. Do not join them, and be careful and ensure you are not one of them!
The Scripture Jesus quoted, to justify his rough treatment of the market people in the temple courts, was drawn from Isaiah 56:7, ‘…for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.’ Indeed all peoples are invited into God’s presence and mandated to make a contribution, so we build together. God bless you all.