On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.  Mark 11:15-18

This passage always sounds shocking, as “Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild” loses his temper and goes on a rampage in the temple.  It is righteous anger, as the temple system was unjust and cheating many people.  The high costs of the animals for sacrifice and the currency exchange was oppressive, especially upon those who could least afford it.

Sometimes righteous anger is justified for us as well.  While I do not advocate turning tables and whipping people, we do need to get united when injustice is present.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and God calls us to fight injustice.  The prophet Jeremiah says Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place (Jeremiah 22:3).

As we walk through this Holy Week, let us all pick up our crosses and walk with justice.

Peace,

Pastor Bill