Reflecting on John 2:13-25“So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts…” (John 2:15)
We will sit with John 2:13-25 for 4 days, allowing this story to sink into our heart.
Whenever I speak about the love of Jesus, someone inevitably reminds me of this story.
In their thinking, Jesus was BOTH loving and aggressive, ready to use force if necessary.
Granted, Jesus does seem quite violent here; but this is the only time.
Of the 100s of times He is calm, gentle, peaceful, merciful, this is the one exception.
This is a rare moment in the life of Jesus, and it should be for us too.
Any time I have thought about ‘turning tables’, the Lord has cautioned me.
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.” (John 8:7).
“In your anger do not sin” (Psalm 4:4, Ephesians 4:26).
He shows me my heart: bitterness, rage, self-righteousness, lack of love.
Jesus proved that He was motivated by love; I cannot do that.
If I was as loving as Jesus was, maybe I could pull out a whip too.
When I feel the need to speak or act forcefully, it is not pure and holy.
I know my mixed motives, my wounded ego, my emotional instability.
Before I try to justify turning tables, I need more gracious love in my heart.
I can’t be crafting whips or carrying stones – my own heart is not there yet.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, teach me to love as much as You did. Help me to focus less on turning tables or casting stones, and more on being as patience, gracious, generous and merciful as You.
As I reflect on this verse, I wonder how Jesus would respond today in our worship services? We may not have turned it into a place of buisness but it is one with many distractions. Phones ding, people come and go, wandering minds, life noise, our own agenda’s or styles hinder us from truly worshipping God in Spirit and in truth, we complain about length, content, etc….. Would Jesus be angry? I know that sometimes I get angry or frustrated with the lack of respect and awe for worshipping God but that just reveals my flawed character….. And then, there’s my every day life…… “Search me Oh God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts”! LORD, please help me to be mindful and live out Cor 13 in my every day coming and going.
I do not turn over tables but as far as it depends on me to live at peace, being a peacemaker, sharing/showing the love of Christ, which is a challenge in my living for Jesus. Jesus continues to lead and guide me as I serve Him from day to day.