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S: John 2:13-17 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”
O: When God designed the Temple, there was an area, the court of the Gentiles, that was supposed to be a place that non-Israelites were able to come and learn about Yahweh. Unfortunately, by the time of Jesus, this place had been turned into a bazaar for people to purchase animals for sacrifice, and to exchange Roman money for temple money.
As a result of all this hubbub, and the general prejudice of the Jews against Gentiles, instead of extending God's love and salvation to the Gentiles, they despised the Gentiles and became no witness at all.
I think this is a major reason why Jesus got angry with them and drove them out of the Temple.
A: This is a danger for us as well -- we become so caught up with our own group, that instead of loving those who don't know Jesus, we end up pushing them away.
We must not encourage hatred of or even despise Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. We are to be salt and light to the world, conduits of Jesus' love for them.
P: Father, when we are tempted to hate or despise the Other, remind us of Your calling upon us to be Your ambassadors to the world. In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
