Jesus weeps over Jerusalem Luke 19:41-44 101
Jesus goes to the Tempel Luke 19:45-48
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I don’t often see Jesus in tears. He was looking down on the city of Jerusalen from the mountain. What a beautiful place it is! The Temple dome shines in the bright noon-day sun. People are noisily moving about in the streets, busy with their preoccupations. This is the city where Jesus is not always welcomed, especially by the Pharisees and leaders of the people. Jesus is often out-spoken, confronting hypocrisy and disregard for the poor. Actions have consequences, as the Bible has shown time and time again.
Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem, and this, not for the first time in history. Jesus is always concerned about those people who suffer and tries so hard to save them from the consequences of bad actions. His disappointment when people don’t listen to his advice is deep and painful.
Coming down the hill, Jesus goes into the Temple and enters the outer court. Such a noisy place! This is where you can buy animals for the sacrifices, and some people make a fine profit from the sales. The noise and bartering makes it very difficult to pray quietly in the inner Temple. There is a sense of busyness, disquiet, outward show – not the peaceful quiet called for as people enter the presence of God.
Jesus looks around, abhorring the commotion and turmoil. His tears turn to indignation as he confronts the money-lenders, pulling the tables over and scattering the coins. The venders are afraid, cowering and shielding their goods from his anger. ‘God’s house must be a house of prayer,’ Jesus says. ‘But you have made it a den of thieves!’
I had never seen Jesus angry like this before, but yes, he was right! With the silence that followed, there was a deeper peace, not shared by all, I must admit, as many were deeply disturbed. Some, however, were able to discern that the actions of the traders, if left unchallenged, would lead to future disaster.
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Am I passionate about working for justice in my own daily life?
· Do I respond to the nightly news with compassion and prayer?
· When am I angry?
· What causes my anger?
· Is my anger justified?
· How can I use my anger constructively for the good of others?
Prayer
Lord, this is what you ask of us, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God. Help us to do this in our daily lives. Amen.