Catastrophe

After arriving in Jerusalem for the last time in His earthly ministry, Jesus went to the Temple. There, He acted with an intensity that must have been shocking. Seeing what was taking place, He drove out “those who were buying and selling in the temple.”

Then, He “overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves.” The Greek word here translated “overturned” is the source of the English word, “catastrophe.” His actions disrupted normal life for these people. It was a catastrophe. And we can be sure that Jesus did not rest until the “House” was cleansed.

As part of this cleansing, Jesus “would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple” (v. 16). After the Temple had been cleansed, Jesus cited Isaiah 56, declaring that “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

There are times when we can look at Jesus as a compassionate, gentle Teacher. But He also was a man of conviction and principle. As God Incarnate, He demonstrated the full range of divine character—both grace and purity, forgiveness and judgment. He wanted us to understand that, with the things of God, there can be no compromise.

To those who were complacent and comfortable, His actions could be seen as offensive. To them, He brought catastrophe, removing anything that was displeasing to God.

These are the kinds of standards that we can expect Him to apply in our lives. Yes, He loves us and wants to teach us, but He also wants us to understand God’s holiness.

In your life, pray for a greater sensitivity to the things of God. Ask Him to help you live a holy life, pleasing to Him in every way.