Did Jesus lose His temper?
NOVEMBER 5, 2007 (MONDAY) – “When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!’” (John 2:13-16 NIV)
How did this situation develop? At first, people journeyed to Jerusalem, bringing their animals for sacrifice with them. Some enterprising people decided to convince people it would be easier for them to wait until they had made the trip and simply buy the animals in Jerusalem. It was soon discovered by the merchants that customers preferred to buy the animals sold nearest the Temple. Since the closer to the Temple you were, the better business was, a sort of “leap frog” developed as the merchants moved closer. Finally they dared to enter the outer areas of the Temple, and that holy court became a stable of sorts. Can you imagine entering the Temple area, smelling the stables and hearing the animal sounds?
In addition to the animals for sale, there was also exchange of money. The people used Roman coins for daily purchases, but they used Jewish money for the Temple tax. In order to get Jewish coins in exchange for Roman coins, enterprising money changers set up businesses for that purpose. Such a business might be nothing more than a table covered with coins. These merchants also found the best business inside the outer areas of the Temple.
Into the temple courts came Jesus. He was indignant because of what He saw, smelled, and heard. He did not lose His temper. He showed his disgust for their insensitivity and calloused disregard for the purpose of the place of worship. His simple whip was for driving the animals, and he did not lift up his hand against a person. This was no tantrum or outburst of uncontrolled anger. Overturning the tables was a public act designed to show He had the authority to condemn such practices. It was an expression of God’s disapproval of what they were doing.
Let no one think that Jesus ever, even for a moment, lost control of His emotions. Let no one believe Jesus had a temper fit. He most emphatically did not. His cleansing of the Temple was His right and duty as the Son of God. The Messiah could do no less.
From time to time we hear people appeal to this act of Jesus to justify their own rage. That argument for anger is not consistent with the facts. Remember, “self-control” is commended as the Christian way (Galatians 5:23).