The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” (John 2:13-17 ESV).
All of us have some passion in life. It may be a job, or a hobby, or even a relationship. Nothing is more satisfying for me than having the opportunity to build something for my family. I’ve been doing woodworking for over fifty years in one capacity or another. Since we moved back to Texas six years ago I was able to set up my shop in a permanent location. It is very easy for me to simple walk out the door of my home and be in my shop working on a project in moments. One of the largest pieces of furniture that I have built is the 9’ dining table I built several years ago for Kyle and Brandy. It took a while to plane and fit each of the lengths of pecan that make up the top; and, the base was equally time consuming. However, I cannot remember any of the time spent with each of the steps of the construction thinking that it was “work.” That’s the difference between work and labor. Work is tedious and often unfulfilling; labor is always exciting and fulfilling. Labor is driven by our passion.
Jesus was passionate about doing his Father’s work. He longed to cultivate the faith of the people around him. If anything stood in the way of forming faith, he was passionate about getting rid of those obstacles. That’s what is behind today’s verses. Money changers and merchants had set up their booths and tables in the temple courts, where people from the nations were supposed to be able to come and worship God. Those vendors didn’t belong there, and it was time for them to go.
Jesus is just as passionate about forming faith in us. In all of our lives there are things that stand in the way of our spiritual growth. Maybe we hold a grudge. Maybe there’s a deep-seated sin we need to confess. Maybe the busyness of daily life or an addiction keeps distracting us. Whatever it is, Jesus is passionate about helping us get rid of it so that our faith can grow. He wants to clear out whatever holds us back from him. Will you let Jesus clear out the things that hold you back and living in your passion?