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I remember when we viewed our actions in simple terms of black and white. White represented acceptable beliefs and behavior; black represented wrong attitudes and departures from what was right. Although gray areas have always existed, those areas of compromise now overshadow consistent ethical values. In today’s world, the phrase “You have no right to...” often takes precedence over moral conviction. People make themselves the final authority, declaring their own standards of right and wrong. As followers of the Messiah, perhaps it is time to return to biblical truth about how to live. It is striking that one of Jesus’s first actions challenged accepted religious practices. Leaders might revolt, but God must be honored 

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 When the wedding ended Jesus and His family spent a few days in Capernaum, and then He left for Jerusalem and the celebration of Passover. 

To the Israelites, Passover was a joyful celebration. It commemorated God’s deliverance of His people from Egyptian slavery. (Exodus 12:1–51). Because the weeklong observance was so important to the economy, preparations began about a month in advance. Bridges and roads were repaired, homes were prepared for travelers, and workers were hired to work in the Temple’s outer court (Edersheim). 

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Passover, like the other two big Jewish festivals, had become a major source of income for the religious leaders. Since the Jewish shekel was the only currency accepted, visitors had to exchange their money and pay a fee. The money changers also acted like bankers by making loans, for a fee. People had to pay extra for sacrificial animals, and even food or souvenirs could only be bought with shekels. 

 

Besides receiving a substantial part of the money-changers income, the priests were responsible for inspecting the animals brought by the family for the sacrifice. The approved inspector either found the animal acceptable or denied its use. If not approved, the family needed to still buy one. All the profits amounted to a life of luxury for the High-Priest and other leaders. 

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Jesus had a different view when He saw the outer courtyard used as a marketplace. In contempt of the activities, “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 exchangers' coins over the floor, and turned over the 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.” (John 2:15-16) In doing so, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 7:11, “Has the house, which is called by My name become a den of thieves in your eyes. Behold, I, even I, have seen it, says the Lord.”  

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This was the initial battle in the three-year war for the hearts of all Israelites. Religious leaders could not let their influence diminish. This upstart from Galilee had to be dealt with. 

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Might we be people that see the world in terms of God’s black and white. Don’tmiss His best because of ungodly motives. Instead, be people that follow the word of the prophet Micah, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Be that person.