Out of Character?

We looked JESUS heading for Jerusalem riding a donkey and a great crowd coming out to HIM with palm branches and shouting Hosanna (GOD saves) in the Highest. Now,

Mark 11:15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area 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, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And 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.'"

Is this JESUS, my peaceful, longsuffering suffering, never sinning, sovereign, Savior? This outburst of anger is anything by typical of what we think of JESUS. Especially since our outbursts are not something we are proud of.

Outbursts of anger are not my forte, but when they have occurred they were memorable! One time, when a landlady was taking advantage of Kari (then 17), I was like a she bear protecting her cubs. Both Kari and Jeri mouths gaped open in shock.

One thing is certain you don’t explode for no reason and we can be sure this totally untypical action on JESUS part had some really valid reasons. We will look at a few.

This is not the 1st time JESUS acted this way. At the very onset of HIS ministry, not long after HE turned the water into wine, at the same time of year (just before the Passover) JESUS went to Jerusalem and upon entering the temple HE drove the merchants away and overturned the moneychangers tables and scattered their money. John 2:13-15 Then his disciples remembered it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." John 2:17

Now it is 3 years later, same timing just before the Passover, (now with the end of HIS earthly ministry just days away) here comes JESUS back to Jerusalem and into the temple doing the same thing. But this time scripture give us 3 reasons.

"(1)Is it not written: '(2) My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But (3) you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

#1 Scripture foretold this would happen and told how it was an abomination in GOD’s eyes. Jeremiah 7:11 and context.

#2 JESUS acted against those who were misusing the house of GOD. The court designated by GOD for the Gentiles to come and worship HIM was full of loud hawking tradesmen and their tables and noise of the cattle and birds for exchange kept the Gentiles from being able to worship GOD. The temple was no longer a house of prayer for all nations that it was designed to be and it made GOD mad. (remember JESUS did only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to do John 8:28,29).

#3 The word den shows conspiracy between the high priestly family and merchants. The high priest insisted temple fees be paid in particular coinage and money changer overcharged and the priests insisted on their animals being used and the merchants sold blemished animals. Historical writings show the high priestly family at that time was despised by the people for dishonesty and greed with the market actually called by the high priest’s name ).

The Greek word for robber here is not a word used of a thief= klemtas (who purloins or pilfers whatever comes to hand) but rather the Greek word lasoton= a robber conducting his operations on a large and systematic scale.

As we are told in Hebrews 1: 1In the past GOD spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS Son, whom HE appointed heir of all things, and through whom HE made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of GOD's glory and the exact representation of HIS being,

So we see that JESUS actually was acting in character, HE desires all people to come and talk with HIM. HE wants our interaction (prayers) and HE gets mad if someone stops you from coming.