THE TEMPLE

We were apprehensive, but he insisted.
The Passover must be celebrated at Jerusalem.
We were concerned, of course.
We knew what went on in the temple there.
We knew he wouldn't be pleased.
Not pleased?  You should have seen him.
Fearless!  He didn't quibble.
He drove them all out —
merchants, sheep, oxen,
the ones who sold the doves,
the money-changers.
Oh yeah, the money changers.
Boy, were they upset!
He turned over their tables.
He chased them out with a scourge.
He claimed the temple was his Father's house.
They were totally perplexed.
He was determined that merchandise
not be substituted for truth.
They asked for a sign of his authority.
He said, "Destroy this temple,
and in three days I will raise it up."1
Whoosh!  Right over their heads.
No surprise to us,
we knew he was radical.

(1. I John 2:19)


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