Matthew 21:12-13. The overturning of the moneychangers' tables.
This game had been played before as quoted in John 2. The tables had been turned at the inception of His ministry and it is mentioned in all 4 Gospels. There are some who even theorize He did this 3 times. It is pretty clear here that they hadn't learned their lesson. The basic idea was that exorbitant rates were being charged for animals used for sacrifice; and that this was in the Gentile area the only section they could be. I am not familiar enough to know if it was Jews only or Gentiles also involved in these extortion efforts. Jesus here showed He could have righteous indignation without sin.
I am sure there are many money raising efforts which are still being operated today with autographed books; and other literature; T shirts; music etc. that can end up being in the same category as what happened with the Pharisees. This is probably why the world won't go to pay exorbitant prices at such places; even if they are seeking a Bible there are plenty of discount places including libraries where you can get stuff either for free or a nominal fee. This isn't to say it is necessarily wrong; but whan a ministry tries to promote themselves with their names emblazoned on clothing; or Christian musicians try to promote themselves in a thinly veiled appeal to the cause of Christ we should at least be discerning. Enough on that for now.
Apparently I lied yet again; Jesus did more healing in verses 15-16; followed by the Pharisees getting mad with this and children praising Him where Christ quotes Psalm 8:2. This is a learning process; although if someone catches me on an error I won't take it personally.
Verses 18-21 discuss the fig tree withering immediately when Jesus was hungry. The account in the Book of Mark 11:20 seems to be different as the tree wasn't withered until they returned that evening. Maybe someone turned around after the rest went ahead and saw it earlier?
I agree, that was quite a scam they had going on. All these pilgrims come into Jerusalem for the Passover, and they have to have a lamb. They also had to pay a half shekel temple tax, and it had to be temple money.
There was a 25% charge for the exchange of money. And then you had to purchase your animal. And even if you were from Jerusalem and you brought a perfect animal, the priest had to approve of it which in most cases he would not approve. They made a lot of money off these poor people.
There was a Christian Jewish historian by the name of Edersheim that said that they charged up to 10 times what the animal was worth. So, the people are stuck. They have to be there, and they have to sacrifice an animal. They were being taken advantage of for sure! Like you, I also believe these things are going on today. I wonder what Jesus would do in our day?
Just a couple of things I thought I might share, not to take away from anything you've said, but just interesting things to consider. Edersheim said that the courtyard area of the temple was 20 acres. We think that it was maybe just a little courtyard, but it was 20 acres, very large!
About the withered fig tree account, we see that Jesus was hungry and as He came to the tree, it had leaves on it but no fruit. We read this and might not think anything of it but if you know about fig trees, the fig tree bears figs first and leaves last. I think the fig tree is the only tree that bears fruit first and then leaves.
Also interesting to note is that the fig tree is one of the trees that are a symbol of the nation Israel. To the Jews, figs represented religion. All religion can do is cover. It cannot forgive your sins, and it cannot wipe out your sins. It only hides it. So, when Jesus and the disciples come to the fig tree, they see religion in Israel, no fruit, no spirit. He sees rejection. So, He curses the fig tree and says you will bear no more forever. Interesting!
This game had been played before as quoted in John 2. The tables had been turned at the inception of His ministry and it is mentioned in all 4 Gospels. There are some who even theorize He did this 3 times. It is pretty clear here that they hadn't learned their lesson. The basic idea was that exorbitant rates were being charged for animals used for sacrifice; and that this was in the Gentile area the only section they could be. I am not familiar enough to know if it was Jews only or Gentiles also involved in these extortion efforts. Jesus here showed He could have righteous indignation without sin.
I am sure there are many money raising efforts which are still being operated today with autographed books; and other literature; T shirts; music etc. that can end up being in the same category as what happened with the Pharisees. This is probably why the world won't go to pay exorbitant prices at such places; even if they are seeking a Bible there are plenty of discount places including libraries where you can get stuff either for free or a nominal fee. This isn't to say it is necessarily wrong; but whan a ministry tries to promote themselves with their names emblazoned on clothing; or Christian musicians try to promote themselves in a thinly veiled appeal to the cause of Christ we should at least be discerning. Enough on that for now.
Apparently I lied yet again; Jesus did more healing in verses 15-16; followed by the Pharisees getting mad with this and children praising Him where Christ quotes Psalm 8:2. This is a learning process; although if someone catches me on an error I won't take it personally.
Verses 18-21 discuss the fig tree withering immediately when Jesus was hungry. The account in the Book of Mark 11:20 seems to be different as the tree wasn't withered until they returned that evening. Maybe someone turned around after the rest went ahead and saw it earlier?
I agree, that was quite a scam they had going on. All these pilgrims come into Jerusalem for the Passover, and they have to have a lamb. They also had to pay a half shekel temple tax, and it had to be temple money.
There was a 25% charge for the exchange of money. And then you had to purchase your animal. And even if you were from Jerusalem and you brought a perfect animal, the priest had to approve of it which in most cases he would not approve. They made a lot of money off these poor people.
There was a Christian Jewish historian by the name of Edersheim that said that they charged up to 10 times what the animal was worth. So, the people are stuck. They have to be there, and they have to sacrifice an animal. They were being taken advantage of for sure! Like you, I also believe these things are going on today. I wonder what Jesus would do in our day?
Just a couple of things I thought I might share, not to take away from anything you've said, but just interesting things to consider. Edersheim said that the courtyard area of the temple was 20 acres. We think that it was maybe just a little courtyard, but it was 20 acres, very large!
About the withered fig tree account, we see that Jesus was hungry and as He came to the tree, it had leaves on it but no fruit. We read this and might not think anything of it but if you know about fig trees, the fig tree bears figs first and leaves last. I think the fig tree is the only tree that bears fruit first and then leaves.
Also interesting to note is that the fig tree is one of the trees that are a symbol of the nation Israel. To the Jews, figs represented religion. All religion can do is cover. It cannot forgive your sins, and it cannot wipe out your sins. It only hides it. So, when Jesus and the disciples come to the fig tree, they see religion in Israel, no fruit, no spirit. He sees rejection. So, He curses the fig tree and says you will bear no more forever. Interesting!
Blessings to you, brother!
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