As Seen on HGTV
Who doesn’t love demo day? If you’ve watched any show on HGTV, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Sometimes it’s an older house that’s outdated and needs serious renovation. Other times there’s a safety issue. Maybe you plan to flip it. Other folks hope to take a historic home back to its original condition.
Stand Back!
Whatever the case, that’s when folks show up wearing hard hats, goggles, and gloves, armed with sledgehammers and pry bars.
Before they can build the new, the old must go. It’s time to take this place down to the studs. You might want to stand back. Walls are coming down. Floors are coming up.
A Messianic Makeover
Ever hear about the time Jesus personally gave His Dad’s house a messianic home makeover? In his bio of Christ, John Mark describes demo day at the temple in Jerusalem (Mk 11:15-19).
It happens as we’re coming down the homestretch in the story of the second Gospel. Mark’s outline goes a little something like this.
He opens with folks scratching their heads and trying to figure out just who this radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth really is (Mk 1:1-8:26). Could He REALLY be Messiah?
The Long Awaited Hero from Heaven
Next, Jesus slowly pulls back the curtain on what it means for Him to be Messiah (Mk 8:27-10:52). Three times Jesus tells His team that He is indeed the long awaited Hero from heaven (Mk 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34).
There’s just one very important detail. He’s not the kind of Christ they’re expecting. He’s come to conquer sin and death, not the occupying Roman army.
In this middle section, it also looks like He’s turning everything upside down. In reality, He’s actually flipping things back the way they are supposed to be. We’ll get back to that flipping part in just a bit.
A Ticker Tape Parade
In the exciting conclusion of Mark’s Gospel, the author zooms in on the last week of the Lord’s life. This is when Jesus actually becomes the Messiah (Mk 11:1-16:20).
The week gets off to a rocking start on the Sunday before Passover with a ticker tape parade into Jerusalem on a borrowed burro (Mk 11:1-11). The day ends with our Savior taking a look around the temple grounds before leaving town. We’ll soon see it’s a recon mission.
A Figless Fig Tree
Then on His way to the temple on Monday morning, hungry Christ curses a figless fig tree (Mk 11:12-14). Don’t make the mistake of thinking this is about the tree. Nope. This ties directly to what’s about to happen when they get back to the temple.
That Escalated Quickly
We pick up the action as Jesus and His team hit town. “When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices” (v15).
In the words of Ron Burgundy, that escalated quickly. The Son of God doesn’t waste any time. He right to work from Jump Street. He begins by chasing out everyone involved in the hustle for religious requirements to worship.
God’s Rules for Worship
So why have folks set up some sort of open air market at the the temple in the first place? It’s because God has set down some VERY specific guidelines when it comes to worship.
That’s a huge part of the law which Yahweh gives Moses along with His Top Ten on Mount Sinai (Ex 20:1-26; 23:10-19; 25:1-31:18; Lev 1:1-8:4; 11:1-17:9; 19:1-8; 21:1-24:16). God lays down clear-cut and exact rules when it comes to sacrifice.
There’s No Business Like God’s Business
Because of that, it’s almost impossible for worshipers to make the long trip to Jerusalem from their hometowns with the required sacrifices. Your animals also must be without a single flaw. What happens if the priest gives your lamb the thumbs down?
The answer? Buy them up when you hit the temple courts. As the old saying goes, there’s no business like God’s business.And during the big holidays like Passover, business is VERY good.
A Very Profitable Enterprise
There are just a couple of problems with all this. First of all, this very profitable commercial enterprise is owned by none other than the family of the high priest.
Let’s just say there’s a significant uncharge on anything you buy. Kinda like at the airport. How’s that $20 microwave burrito taste? Don’t forget to wash it down with a $5 bottled water.
Cluttering up the Courtyard
The second issue is the location of buying and selling. By all indications, this is what’s called the Court of the Gentiles. This outer court is the only place on the temple grounds where non-Jews could participate in their praise of God.
But apparently they couldn’t. Hebrew leaders are using a big chunk of it as a shopping center. Kinda like when your garage is so full of junk that you can’t park your car in it. Cluttering up the courtyard is one way to keep out those pesky Gentiles.
Tossing out the Trash
That’s the crazy and crowded scene Jesus’ sees when He arrives. It’s exactly what He expected to find. Remember how He got a sneak peek the day before (Mk 11:11)?
Christ wastes no time Monday morning. He quickly “began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices” (v15). He may not have a sledgehammer or a pry bar but that doesn’t stop Him from doing some serious demolition!
The word translated “drive out” (Gr. εκβαλλω/ekballo) is a compound Greek verb which literally means to throw out. And in this case, the Lord tosses out the trash.
The Old Heave Ho
Matthew chooses the same term when writing about Jesus kicking demons to the curb in his Gospel (Mt 7:22; 8:16, 31; 9:33-34; 10:1, 8; 12:24-28). Luke uses it when the crew of a sinking ship “began throwing (Gr. εκβαλλω/ekballo) overboard” (Acts 27:18).
Jesus is asking nicely for these people to leave. He’s making them leave. He’s chasing them out. Giving them the old heave ho. They don’t have to go home but they can’t stay here!
And did you catch that He’s chasing away not just the sellers but their customers as well? Are these worshipers simply doing what’s convenient rather than what’s costly? Let me put it this way, sacrifice isn’t really a sacrifice if it doesn’t cost me anything.
Coins Jingling and Feathers Flapping
Christ’s demo day is just getting started. Next, “He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves” (v15). You can almost hear the sound of coins jingling and feathers flapping.
Maybe you’re like me and wonder why folks are offering financial services at the temple? Well there’s a tax which male worshipers must cough up when they visit. According to New Testament scholars, officials will only accept a specific currency called a Tyrian tetradrachma.
Remember, this is Passover. Hebrews are pouring into Jerusalem from all around the Mediterranean Rim carrying the money of their current home country. Just like travelers exchange their currency when they’re abroad, same here. You can be sure they’re not exactly getting a great exchange rate.
Putting on the Squeeze
And what about those vendors who are “selling doves” (v15)? Why do they get a specific mention? I’m just spitballing here but let me take a shot.
God made specific provision in the OT for the poorest of the poor. They can offer much doves as their sacrifice rather than an a pricy lamb (Lev 5:7). Luke tells us that Jesus’ mom and dad were working class poor and took advantage of this cost effective option (Lk 2:24).
Is Christ ticked off that these dove vendors are putting the squeeze those who can least afford it? God continually calls His followers to stand up for those who can’t up for themselves.
A Catastrophe
Humor me as we take another dive into the original language. Check out the Greek verb the NLT translates as “knocked over.” It’s καταστρεφω/katastrepho, which means to flip or turn over.
It’s the source of our word “catastrophe.” Webster defines that as “a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune or utter overthrow or ruin.” If you’re a money changer or dove seller at the temple, Webster might put your picture next to its definition.
Right Side up
Ultimately Jesus hasn’t come just to turn over a few tables and chairs at the temple. He’s here to turn it ALL over! But He’s not flipping things upside down. He’s flopping everything right side up! He’s turning Creation back the way it was originally meant it to be.
Shutting down the Shortcut
Christ didn’t just upset the buyers and sellers. “He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace” (v16). While I HUGE respect the folks who bring us the NLT, that’s not exactly the best translation of the Greek.
A more accurate way would be to say the Lord did not tolerate anyone to carry anything through the temple area. In other words, He stops folks from using it as a shortcut. Interestingly, Mark is the only Gospel writer to drop this nugget.
Using God as a Shortcut
A.T. Robertson writes that religious leaders had a rule against using any part of the house of God as a shortcut. For whatever reason, they’re looking the other way and not enforcing it.
This may seem a bit harsh at first glance but here’s our Savior’s point. Stop taking the temple for granted. Worship of God isn’t a shortcut to anything else. Stop using God to get anything but God!
A Hot Mess in the House of God
Remember that whole cursing the figless fig tree deal (Mk 11:12-14)? Just minutes after Jesus dumps a barrel of spiritual RoundUp on the tree, He’s kicking tail at the temple.
Now we found out what He’s REALLY upset about! He’s hot under His holy collar about the hot mess people have made the house of God.
Mad for All the Right Reasons
The Lord is furious about what’s happening. He IS angry. VERY angry. But He did NOT sin. This is what some folks call righteous indignation. That’s being mad for all the right reasons.
As the followers of Jesus, we should all be upset when we see things like injustice, crime, and corruption. Instead of sitting back on our blessed assurance, we need to take a stand.
The problem is we look the other way on many of these issues but get our undies in a bundle when we’re the target of insults and criticism. Instead, let’s fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. Let’s be a voice for the voiceless.
Not the First Time
One more thing. Do you know this is not the first time at Passover that Jesus has cut loose on folks doing business at the temple. John tells us how the Son of God actually used a whip to cause chaos a few years back in the beginning of His ministry (Jn 2:13-17).
So here in the last week of His life, He does it again. Not only did the folks at the Hebrew home office miss His point the first time, but Christ creates a sandwich around His ministry. In the end, He wants people to know the temple is NOT the point.
Drawing a Crowd
This is quite a scene. Merchants scooping up their money and running out. Foot traffic through the court has come to screeching halt. The word is out that the Rabbi/Carpenter from Nazareth has gone crazy in the Court of the Gentiles.
Jesus isn’t just clearing the court but He’s also drawing a crowd. You can bet people are beating feet to see what all the commotions about.
From Temple Cleansing to Bible Study
The Lord uses this as a teachable moment for the quickly assembled flash mob. The ESV tells us He is “teaching them” (v17 ESV). He makes His point by telling everyone the reason for why He did what He did.
He turns the chaos of the temple cleansing into Bible study. “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will
be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (v17).
A Pair of Prophetic Passages
Christ uses God’s Word to drive home His point. He mashes up a pair of prophetic passages from the Old Testament. Don’t forget, during Jesus day it’s the ONLY testament.
“My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations” is straight out of Isaiah 65:7. It’s a powerful reminder that God has set aside this particular place for people to talk with Him.
The International House of Prayer
While both Matthew and Luke quote Jesus’ words, Mark is the only Gospel author to include the phrase “for all nations” (v17). Think of it this way. Before pancakes were ever invented, there was the International House of Prayer.
What’s the Lord’s point? First of all, He’s in the Court of the Gentiles. That’s the only part of the place where non-Jews are allowed to pray and worship.
Throwing the Doors Open Wide
It’s also a hint at what’s right around the corner. It won’t be long before Jesus will throw the doors of God open wide to anyone and everyone.
The Son of God is saying His Dad didn’t just have the Temple built as an exclusive club for the Jewish people. In the end, it’s for EVERYBODY! Think back to God’s promise to bless Abraham and His chosen people (Gen 12:1-3).
God tells Abraham that His blessing won’t stop at the Hebrews. “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Gen 12:1:3). When it’s all said and done, He’s gonna drench the whole world with His grace!
An Overpriced Mini-Mall
Jesus says there’s just one problem with that. “But you have turned it into a den of thieves” (v17). The second half of Christ’s quote comes from the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 7:11).
He makes it clear that Jewish leaders have transformed this God ordained prayer area into an overpriced mini-mall. Imagine people on a fixed income required to shop on Rodeo Drive. With all the tables and chairs, worship is next to impossible for non-Jews.
A Hangout for Thieves
In calling this “a den of thieves” (v17), He wants everyone to know that the temple has become the home to religious corruption, embezzling, and extortion. Don’t forget. God put stealing in His original Top Ten list (Ex 20:15).
The Message pulls no punches with its take on Jesus’ words here. “You’ve turned it into a hangout for thieves” (v17 The Message). Instead of being a hideout for criminal activity, God’s church should be a sanctuary for sinners like you and me.
The House ALWAYS Wins
Here’s another way of picturing what’s going on. They’ve turned God’s temple into a casino. Now I’m not saying that gambling is sin. It certainly can be incredibly destructive.
One thing for sure, the house ALWAYS wins! While I’m not buying the line that “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But you can bet your money will stay there! Kinda like what’s happening at the temple in Jerusalem.
Putting a Hit on the Son of God
The Hebrew head honchos hit the religious roof when they get wind of Christ creating chaos in the temple courts. “When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill Him” (v18).
How mad are they? Mad enough to begin plotting how to get rid of this Nazarene troublemaker once and for all. They don’t just want Him to shut up and go home. They want Him dead. They put a hit on the Son of God.
A Passover Powder Keg
There’s just one issue before they kill the Christ. “But they were afraid of Him because the people were so amazed at His teaching” (v19). Don’t forget. It’s Passover. The place is packed. Jerusalem is a powder keg.
This radical Rabbi has the huge crowds hanging on His every word. He astounds His crowds both with what He says and how He says it.
Dropping Jaws from the Beginning
Jesus has been dropping jaws from the beginning. Here’s how it went down back in Capernaum. “The people were amazed at His teaching, for He taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law” (Mk 1:22).
For the religious power players to challenge Him now would be a big mistake. If only they had a mole inside Jesus’ team. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Getting in the Way of God
A couple of thousand years later, you may be wondering what does all this have to do with you and me? I mean, it’s not like we’re exchanging shekels or selling animals for sacrifice. (You aren’t, are you?!?)
Let’s look at it another way. What have I put in my life that gets in the way of my relationship with Jesus? Are there habits, routines, or even rituals that have nothing to do with knowing and worshiping God that actually keep me from Him?
Making the Non-Essential Necessary
Have you made stuff that’s non-essential to your faith absolutely necessary? Worship style? Bible translation? Denomination?
Has your personal worship time with Jesus simply become a way of punching the spiritual time clock or checking a box on your religious to-do list? Don’t just read for information. Read for transformation!
Demo Day in Your Devotional Life
Think of these moments as divine appointments with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. If He can make time for you, can’t you squeeze Him into your busy calendar?
Jesus may need to drop by for a little demo day in your devotional life.
Obstacles for Others
Also, what have I put in my life that gets in the way of others’ relationship with God? Is there anything I’m doing or saying that’s an obstacle for somebody else moving closer to Christ?
I realize I may be stepping on some toes but here goes. Self-righteousness? Lack of repentance? Hypocrisy? Anger? Pride? Prejudice?
Busy Building Roadblocks
It’s easy to understand why Ghandi said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike Christ.” Why are we so busy building roadblocks rather than shining light and spreading salt?
If that describes you and me, it’s time for Christ to swing by and flip over the furniture.
A Sneak Peek
There’s one more thing. Jesus is actually provided a sneak peek at the real demo day at the temple that’s right around the corner. In AD 70, God will allow the Romans to destroy it all.
Why does He let this happen? Because there’s absolutely no need once the sinless Lamb of God provides the ultimate sacrifice and takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29; Heb 9:26-28; 10:10-12).
Borrowing an Idea from Jesus
Shows like “Fixer Upper,” “Flip or Flop,” and “Property Brothers” understand the appeal of demo day. But they’re simply borrowing an idea Jesus used back at the temple.
The question is…what work does He need to do in your life?
©2020
Jay Jennings
