YEA Lesson Library

The Lesson

The muscular young man strolled through the gate. As He walked He braided a bunch of small cords into a scourge. His Father, a master architect, had lovingly designed every detail of this truly beautiful Temple as a special place of worship. The only conditions were that it be honored and respected as the sacred House of God. Everyone agreed that this was not much to ask for such a grand place, but as years went by abuse crept in. Now it was little more than a market place.

Inside, the moneychangers called out and vendors hawked their wares. Oxen, sheep and crates filled with doves added to the confusion. The odor of manure mingled with the fragrance of incense offered by priests, and God’s Temple smelled like a barn. The young man looked around Him and His disappointment was replaced by disgust and righteous anger. The building was the Temple of God in Jerusalem. The young man was Jesus.

The Temple was not designed by men. God gave explicit instructions for the building of this splendid place; it was literally to be the House of God. The most important building in Israel, the hub of all activities, the Temple was the focus of religion and everyday life. Rich in symbolism, and full of meaning, it was to be a sacred and holy House of Prayer for all people. “As for the Gentiles, the outsiders who join the people of the Lord and serve him and love his name, and are his servants and don’t desecrate the Sabbath, and have accepted his covenant and promises, I will bring them also to my holy mountain of Jerusalem and make them full of joy within my House of prayer. I will accept their sacrifices and offering, for my Temple shall be called ‘A House of Prayer for All People’” (Isaiah 56:6-7 TLB).

To make things more convenient for pilgrims, moneychangers and cattlemen set up their businesses in the Court of the Gentiles - in the part of the Temple where Gentiles were allowed to worship God. The merchants, however, were corrupt in their dealing with the pilgrims. The dishonest moneychangers trimmed coins and unfairly charged those who came to make offerings. The animals to be used as offerings and sacrifices were sold at inflated prices. The only place in the grand and glorious Temple where Gentiles could worship had been turned into a foul-smelling public market and a den of thieves. Because the Pharisees were in on it, the Jewish leaders were robbing Gentiles of their spiritual privilege to worship God as promised them.

How do you think Jesus felt when He entered the Temple and saw what they were doing? Do you think He was angry? If so, why? Jesus was angry, but He did not lose control. Jesus saw what they were doing was wrong and He knew He had to deal with it. He cracked His whip stampeding oxen and sheep into head-long flight. He overturned the tables of the moneychangers. Doves flapped wildly in their crates, wood splintered and feathers flew as His voice rang out, echoing through the Temple: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” And the reaction of the Jewish leaders? They would have killed Jesus if they hadn’t feared the people.

He had courage, you might even call it gumption. Do you know what gumption is? A person with gumption is aware of what is happening and where it will lead. He doesn’t sit around just stewing about things. He’s an action person. Gumption begins with a firm commitment, which Jesus had. He saw well where this was leading and was committed to ensuring that Jews and Gentiles could worship in the Temple. He didn’t allow the peer pressure of the moneychangers or even the religious leaders in the Temple to cause Him to rethink, ponder or fiddle around. What they were doing was wrong and He had the gumption to put an end to it now!

Gumption requires discipline. Jesus was angry, but had the discipline not to loose control. The people and the religious leaders were corrupt. To many, making the desired changes could have seemed overwhelming. But Jesus knew that He had to deal with each situation in its proper time. The same thing is true in our lives. Our life is like a marathon. The 26 plus miles in a marathon aren’t run in one big jump. We have to take one step at a time, always planning and watching for things that could hinder us in reaching our goal. Gumption comes easier when we recognize that the finish line has its own unique rewards. Jesus knew what His final reward was. And He wants you to share in His character and His reward.

Jesus Christ came to save all people, not just Jews, not just Israelites. He died for everyone of us. That includes you.“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When Jesus saw what was right to do, He didn’t rethink, ponder or fiddle around. What type of life do we owe Him for giving His all for us? We owe him a disciplined life with gumption. A life with a firm commitment to our Savior. A life with a passion to serve Him!