And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. Mark, Chapter 11, verses 15-17.
I think this passage shows a time where even Jesus says through His actions, “Enough Is Enough!” It really got me thinking. Generally, I hide behind my Christian faith to justify my passive interactions. In this instance, Jesus didn’t handle the situation in a passive manner. It leads me to believe there are times that stronger actions are needed to get the point across! Anything less, would be condoning the inappropriate behavior or situation.
This reminds me of a Cultural Diversity training my husband arranged for co-workers. They were talking about being in a situation where someone is putting down others whether for racial, gender, sexual reasons or otherwise. They said to just stand there and not say anything is the same as participating in the put-downs, because our lack of action condones that behavior. They said people should actually take a stand and tell the ones making the rude comments that we find them objectionable and would prefer that they discontinue them immediately.
Now, the passive side of me that doesn’t want to stand out in a crowd has to come to terms with this one. Not only am I drawing attention to myself, I am also risking the possibility that someone may get angry with me or disapprove of my opinion. Jesus took an active stand on an important issue and I think that I need to work on being able to confront people who are belittling others, despite my insecurities. Jesus didn’t stop and think, “Now, if I tell them to quit selling all their wares in the church, they may be angry with Me. Maybe I shouldn’t risk this because they might not like Me anymore.” He took action because He knew it was wrong! I need to take action because I know belittling others is wrong! I need to be more of an Enough is Enough Christian, much more in keeping with what God wants of me.
Here are some related passages:
*And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shalt be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. Matthew, Chapter 21, verses 12-13.
*And He went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. Luke, Chapter 19, verses 45-46.
*And the Jew’s passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when He had made a scourge of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not My Father’s house an house of merchandise. And His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up. John, Chapter 2, verses 13-17.
Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.
