Matthew 21:12-22

Matthew 21:12-22

This passage must be understood in the context of the Triumphal Entry. The Messiah has now entered and will put His house in order. But what kinds of changes will that mean? These changes are expressed in two, lived-out parables.

First, Jesus purifies the temple. To understand this we must begin with the understanding that this was no fit of rage that exploded out of anger over the corrupt practices of the temple marketplace. This was not a tantrum but the Messiah declaring and demonstrating that a new order was to begin. Certainly any exploitation of worshipers was grossly immoral. But notice in verse 12 that Jesus acts against “all” who bought and sold. Those selling sacrifices and those who bought them are in the same boat. Jesus set Himself above the temple practice even with its Scriptural underpinning. The old sacrificial system was no longer needed. Within the week a sacrifice would be offered which would make the blood of bulls and goat superfluous. The confidence that comes from the temple worship practices, often hypocritical, will be proven to be misplaced.

And this is not enough. Jesus extends worship to all people and not just the house of Israel. Beyond that Jesus begins to heal the lame and the blind right in the temple courts. David had banned the lame and the blind from the temple, but the Son of David asserts his authority by including them and healing them. Could it be that Jesus had arranged for the outcasts to be present to demonstrate the new order?

There is no indication that Jesus’s actions resulted in any lasting social reform. By the morning or even that evening the tables would be back in place and the animals would be in their stalls. Jesus did not want to reform temple practices; He was demonstrating His authority as the Messiah. The children picked up on the theme much to the consternation of the priestly delegation. They saw the temple as their turf and the worship as the means for their own power and the existing order as a way to control the people and keep social stability with the Romans. This Messiah move on Jesus’s part has to be silenced. From this point on they will join the alliance against Jesus.

Jesus, in the lesson of the fig tree, acts out a second, living parable. Israel is often portrayed as a fruit tree. But Israel’s worship and temple practice is like a fig tree that promises much but delivers no fruit. Despite all the activity and falderal the worship of the Temple is fruitless and faithless. A barren tree is an appropriate symbol of a faith that is godless, powerless, and man-focused. Sadly, the disciples miss the point of this miraculous parable. Less interested in the application, even they are enamored by the power.

“God, save me from a faith, a church, a fellowship, or a community that keeps me from being completely open and available to you. AMEN”