Matthew 21:12-17 Jesus Cleanses the Temple

It is difficult for me to picture Jesus angry and probably for most people. But anger is an emotion that every human being experiences. Anger in itself is not a problem. The problem is what I do with my anger. If I lash out at people and hurt them in my anger then I have a problem. The term "anger management" tends to depersonalize anger making it an object outside myself that I have to control by mastering certain skills. The truth is that what I do with my anger comes from within, the heart, and cannot be depersonalized that easily. What I really need is an inner transformation that will help me manage my heart not just my anger. I most certainly don't oppose acquiring skills to cope with anger, but don't want to ignore my need for inner change. 

What made Jesus so angry? For sure, the buying and selling of animals for sacrifices and the money exchanging activities were part of temple life. People came from all over the surrounding nations to worship. It was necessary to have a market for animals and change of currency available. Notice that Jesus' accusation is that the temple has become a den of robbers. The robbers were the people selling and exchanging. Instead of providing a fair price for their sales and exchanges, they had attached a heavy tax for the local government as well as a cut for themselves ripping off people. That's what angered Jesus.

What does he do with his anger? He goes into the temple and drives people and animals out  of the temple. He definitely made a scene by overturning tables and probably raised his voice to call the attention of those present. He certainly has a flare for drama, but for a good reason. It is his Father's house and he is consumed by the lack of respect shown by others. He is the Son with all the rights in the world to correct something so blatantly wrong as robbing in the temple courts. Instead of prayer, robbery was taking place.

Am I that zealous for God's business? Would I display my anger when I see God's purposes perverted? I pray God will give me the strength to do so. It is so easy to fall prey to the practical and the easy. For example, at church, why would I stand in the lobby or the hallway when everybody else is worshipping God? Why would I sit in the lobby to chat with someone else when the Word of God is being preached? Do I come to church to meet my friends or to meet God first? Understanding that I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, why would I give my body to uses that insult God, like sexual immorality, overeating, drug abuse, etc...

Lord, may your holy anger move me to make changes in my life to please you. Help me overcome that which perverts your purposes in my life. May I drive out all that stands in the way of genuine worship and adoration to you.