Monday

A Second Sign for Future Times

As with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus didn’t need to cleanse the temple in order to accomplish his goal of atonement through the crucifixion. But He did so anyway. Why?

As with the triumphal entry, He was looking a hundred, a thousand, two thousand years into the future, desiring to make a statement that would get the attention of generations to come.

The statement was that He was the Davidic Messiah who could not only take away the original sin of the world but could have then at that time taken salvation to the next level, helping all humankind scrub and scrape away all the additional layers of sin that taint human relationships. Such layers of sin, shared even by supposedly “fully saved” Christians, lead to war, idolatry, hard-heartedness, addiction, poverty, and slavery, to name a few, in this world and the next.

Driving out the money-changers and hawkers from the temple was, first, a symbolic act. For the Jews, the temple was a symbol of God, on one level, and, on another, of the Messiah, who was God’s “image” and the first person ever to attain to sacred oneness with God. Cleansing the temple was a sign to the Israelites and future generations that Jesus was the chosen one of God.

Second, Jesus healed the blind and lame in the cleansed temple and accepted the praise of the children who shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The praise indicated He was the one who was to have sat on the throne of David at that time and ruled Israel and ultimately the world with a “rod of iron” (truth) and with a heart of love.

How This Helps Us Have a Real Relationship With the Real Jesus

When we understand Jesus’ goal was to launch the Davidic Kingdom—for the benefit of not just Israel but the entire world—it brings us to realize that Jesus, who is very much alive and actively working from Heaven, still yearns for that to happen. 

Then we can join Him and work joyously with Him to help Him build that ideal world.

Spiritual Exercises

●   Reflect on Jesus’ vision for the Davidic Kingdom and your role in its fulfillment. Spend time meditating on passages like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Zechariah 9:10, which speak of Jesus’ role in establishing a kingdom of peace and justice. Contemplate how you might be able to contribute to this vision in your own life and community.

●   Dedicate specific prayer time to asking Jesus to guide and empower you to participate in the building of His Kingdom on earth. Pray for the strength and wisdom to overcome challenges and to live in a way that reflects the values of the Davidic covenant.

●   Look for opportunities to be an “ambassador for peace,” promoting peace and reconciliation in your neighborhood, community, and the wider world. This could involve volunteering for a social service organization, advocating for compassionate government policies, or simply speaking out against violence and injustice.