Temper in the Temple
Just one day after Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem, we find Jesus suffering with more than just a 'Case of the Mondays'. This special Monday, he enters the temple, which was reduced from God's House of Worship to a first-century Holy Land Mini Mall.
Of course, I have imagined and illustrated a few of these temple violators in my Back Pew way of looking at things. There was The Temple ..
Money Changers ... Were these ATMs?
A Temple Bird Salesman, the ...
Slinkee and Pet Rocks table, and the 'standard'
Bible Bobblehead vendors
All these and more turned the temple into, as Jesus called it, "a true den of thieves". So I guess frustrated was a true understatement as I will call Jesus’ state of mind The Temper in the Temple.
After turning over a few tables, Jesus leaves the temple, not in the mood for encountering a 'fig-free-fig-tree' which he promptly cursed.
This was a lesson NOT LOST on his disciples.
Jesus, fully God, fully man (He 2:17)
I cannot fathom Jesus’ mindset at this time. Still, from a human perspective, I believe Jesus experienced the elation of his triumphant entry that first Palm Sunday, all while knowing that would happen over the next week. While his crucifixion and resurrection later this week shocked his disciples, this was all a part of the Father's Gospel Plan of Salvation for mankind (see Isaiah 53).
Note: If I were Isaiah and had just finished writing Isaiah 53, I would.. DROP THE MIC!
So, Jesus, knowing what this week would bring, the shameful conduct in the Temple, and the fig tree bore no fruit were the realities of this sinful and broken world just one day removed from that first Palm Sunday celebration.
These are normal emotions for any man or woman since Adam & Eve, but deeper and more complex for Jesus, who knew no sin while being fully God and fully man.
Holy week is one of those times where my silly cartoon images feel out of place as a medium to communicate God's Heart and His truth. My prayer is that these sketches and comments convey the absurdity of man when compared to what is Holy, and NEVER distract from the message of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
May God find us faithful while living in a world of barren fig trees, and churches with tables to be flipped. In all things to God be the Glory.
Blessings
Jeff
